Rescue teams worked through the night, tirelessly sifting through the remains of the Islam Al Khosini boarding school. Police, soldiers, and emergency workers dug into the rubble in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. Their urgent mission was to find and help anyone stuck inside the collapsed building. It was a race against time, with hope fading for those still buried.
The terrible accident happened on Monday, September 29. Students were performing afternoon prayers when part of the building suddenly gave way. Officials said the collapsed area was undergoing an unapproved expansion. This detail has added a layer of anger to the tragedy.
Reports indicate a heartbreaking toll. At least three students have died. More than 100 suffered injuries. Dozens more remain trapped beneath the heavy debris. Most of the victims were boys, ranging from 12 to 18 years old. These young lives were praying one moment, then caught in chaos the next.
For over eight grueling hours, rescuers managed to pull eight injured and weak survivors from the ruins. They even sent oxygen and water down into the cramped spaces. This was a desperate attempt to keep other trapped students alive. Yet, the sight of more bodies tells a grim story: the death count is likely to climb higher.
Subandi, the Governor of Sidoarjo, spoke plainly about the situation. He stated that no permit had been issued for the two-story school’s expansion. Workers had poured concrete for a third floor, he explained, but “the construction was not up to standard. Everything just collapsed.” His words paint a clear picture of negligence.
The rescue efforts hit a scary snag on Tuesday morning at 10:15. The concrete wreckage suddenly shifted, causing alarm. Medical staff and others nearby fled in a panic, fearing another collapse. Rescue officials quickly told everyone to stay far away from the unstable structure. Operations thankfully started again at 1:45 PM. Authorities are now investigating why the building failed so completely.
Source: BBC