Catastrophe Worsens as Indonesian School Structural Failure Fatalities Increases to 54
News Agency
The number of fatalities from the structural failure of an educational facility in Indonesia has escalated to 54, as confirmed by officials, with emergency responders continuing their search for over twelve missing individuals.
Numerous pupils, mostly teenage boys, had assembled for prayers at the religious educational institution in Eastern Java when the structure gave way while undergoing construction.
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency describes this as the nation's most fatal catastrophe in 2025. Rescue personnel are anticipated to complete their rescue mission for thirteen individuals trapped under debris by evening.
Probe Underway into Collapse Cause
Authorities are still examining the reason behind the structural failure. Certain authorities suggested the two-level structure caved in due to an unstable foundation.
"Out of all the catastrophes in 2025, whether natural or man-made, there has not occurred as numerous fatalities as the ones in Sidoarjo," declared a deputy from the disaster mitigation agency during a media briefing.
The total count includes at least two people who were extracted from the rubble but subsequently died in medical care.
School Background and Oversight Issues
The facility is a conventional Islamic boarding school in Indonesia, commonly known as a pesantren.
Many pesantren operate without formal oversight, without comprehensive oversight or regular inspections. It remains uncertain whether the school had necessary permits to conduct additional construction.
Rescue Challenges
Emergency response efforts have faced difficulties due to the manner the structure fell, creating tight spaces for emergency personnel to operate within, officials reported previously.
Eyewitness Reports
Survivors have recounted their terrifying escape experiences with regional news outlets.
One 13-year-old eyewitness described first "hearing the sound of collapsing materials", which "intensified and more intense".
The young person quickly rushed for the doorway, and while he managed to escape, he was injured by falling debris from the roof.