Rescue teams wrapped up their efforts in Sidoarjo, East Java, early on October 7. This marked the end of a week-long search after a building collapsed at the Al-Khozinī Islamic boarding school. Officials confirmed a total of 61 people died in the tragic incident.
The collapse last week was due to structural problems within the building. Abdul Muhari, who heads data, disaster, and communication for the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), shared details. He stated that joint rescue teams had finished clearing all the rubble. Heavy machinery has left the site. All concrete debris and wreckage now sit level with the ground.
Over seven days, responders worked tirelessly. They recovered 61 bodies from the fallen prayer hall. Among these were seven body parts. These parts are still being identified. This process takes time and care.
Major General Budi Irawan, a deputy director for emergency management at BNPB, added a somber note. It is not yet clear if these seven body parts belong to two victims previously reported as missing. Officials will confirm this once the identification process is complete. Families wait anxiously for news.
The disaster affected many. Out of 165 recorded victims, 61 were confirmed dead. So far, 17 of those who died have been formally identified. Thankfully, 104 people were confirmed safe after the building fell. Most of these were teenage boys, who were attending afternoon prayers at the time. Many managed to escape the falling debris.
Source: KOMPAS