Catastrophe Worsens as Indonesian Educational Institution Structural Failure Fatalities Increases to 54
News Agency
The death count from the structural failure of an Indonesian school has climbed to 54, as confirmed by officials, with emergency responders still looking for over twelve unaccounted persons.
Numerous pupils, primarily adolescent males, had gathered for religious services at the religious educational institution in East Java when the structure collapsed while being renovated.
The country's emergency management authority characterizes this as the country's deadliest catastrophe this year. Emergency workers are anticipated to complete their rescue mission for 13 victims trapped beneath the rubble by day's end.
Probe Underway into Collapse Cause
Authorities are still examining the reason behind the collapse. Certain authorities suggested the two-level structure collapsed due to an inadequate base.
"Out of all the catastrophes in 2025, whether natural or man-made, there has not occurred as many dead victims as the ones in Sidoarjo," stated a deputy from the disaster mitigation agency during a media briefing.
The overall number encompasses at least two people who were extracted from the debris but subsequently succumbed in medical care.
Institutional Context and Regulatory Concerns
The institution is a conventional religious educational center in Indonesia, commonly known as a pesantren.
Numerous pesantren operate without formal oversight, without strong regulation or consistent monitoring. It remains unclear whether the institution had necessary permits to conduct additional construction.
Operational Difficulties
Search and rescue operations have faced difficulties due to the manner the structure collapsed, leaving only tight spaces for emergency personnel to maneuver within, authorities reported last week.
Eyewitness Reports
Those who escaped have recounted their terrifying survival stories with regional news outlets.
One 13-year-old eyewitness described first "hearing the noise of falling rocks", which "grew louder and louder".
The young person quickly rushed for the doorway, and while he successfully got out, he was wounded by collapsing materials from the roof.
