Catastrophe Worsens as Indonesian School Structural Failure Death Toll Increases to 54
News Agency
The death count from the collapse of an Indonesian school has escalated to 54, as confirmed by officials, with rescue teams continuing their search for over twelve unaccounted persons.
Hundreds students, primarily teenage boys, had assembled for prayers at the religious educational institution in East Java when the structure gave way while being renovated.
The country's emergency management authority describes this as the nation's most fatal disaster in 2025. Emergency workers are expected to conclude their rescue mission for 13 victims trapped under debris by evening.
Investigation Underway into Collapse Cause
Investigators 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 disasters in 2025, whether natural or man-made, there hasn't been as numerous fatalities as the incident in Sidoarjo," stated a deputy from the emergency management authority during a media briefing.
The total count encompasses at least two people who were rescued from the debris but later succumbed in medical care.
Institutional Context and Oversight Issues
The facility is a traditional Islamic boarding school in Indonesia, referred to as a pesantren.
Numerous pesantren function informally, without strong regulation or consistent monitoring. It remains uncertain whether the school had proper authorization to undertake building modifications.
Operational Difficulties
Emergency response efforts have faced difficulties due to the way the structure fell, leaving only tight spaces for emergency personnel to maneuver within, officials stated last week.
Eyewitness Reports
Those who escaped have recounted their harrowing escape experiences with local media.
One 13-year-old survivor described first "noticing the noise of collapsing materials", which "intensified and more intense".
The adolescent quickly rushed for the doorway, and while he managed to escape, he was wounded by collapsing materials from the ceiling.
