A school in Indonesia. Getty Images/Robertus Pudyanto
As reported by the media South China Morning Post
In the city of Sidoarjo, in East Java province, a tragic event occurred: the building of an Islamic boarding school collapsed during the afternoon prayer. At least one 13-year-old child died, and about 99 students were injured, many of whom are in critical condition.
According to rescuers, about 65 students aged 12 to 17 remain under the rubble. Hundreds of rescuers, police, and soldiers are on the scene, providing oxygen and water to the injured and conducting search-and-rescue operations.
The building collapsed during the afternoon prayer: students in grades 7–11 were inside the hall. The girls were praying in another part of the complex, and according to witnesses, this helped prevent a larger number of casualties.
Circumstances of the incident and rescue operations
According to authorities, the building was illegally expanded – two more floors were planned to be added to the two-story prayer hall without permits. The foundation of the old structure could not withstand the load of the concrete floors during the construction work.
Relatives of the students gather near hospitals and near the school, waiting for news about their children; many are distraught and tearful, unable to hide their anxiety for the fate of their loved ones.
Rescuers say that bodies are sometimes found under the rubble, but the main goal now is to extract and rescue those who are still alive and to provide urgent medical assistance to the injured.
Investigation and future actions
The causes of the tragedy are currently being investigated by law enforcement; investigations are ongoing and the condition of the building is being assessed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The authorities pledge a transparent investigation and support for the families of those affected; security forces and rescuers continue to work on the scene, coordinating efforts to address the aftermath.
This event underscores the importance of adhering to building standards and proper oversight of educational institutions. The government and relevant services plan to strengthen inspections and safety measures to reduce risks for children in the future and to quickly support the families affected by this tragedy.
See also:
- Russian airstrike hits Kostyantynivka in Donetsk, causing building collapses and casualties. Rescue efforts continue amid infrastructure damage.
- In Lviv, a man has been charged with suspicion of leaving a baby in a cradle on the roof of a car, which led to the child’s injuries.
- Thai prosecutors charge 23 individuals, including a construction tycoon and a Chinese state firm, over a deadly building collapse caused by a powerful earthquake in Bangkok, resulting in nearly 100 worker fatalities.
