Full Breakdown
Rescue Operations Underway After Indonesian School Collapse
9/30/2025, 11:21:23 PM
Overview of the Incident
On September 29, 2025, the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, collapsed during afternoon prayers, trapping dozens of students and workers beneath the rubble. As of September 30, three fatalities have been confirmed, with 99 individuals rescued and 38 still unaccounted for, according to Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia's search and rescue agency. The building was undergoing unauthorized construction, which is believed to have contributed to the collapse.
Details of the Collapse
The incident occurred when construction workers were pouring concrete for the fourth floor of the building, which had originally been a two-story structure. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the upper floors gave way, causing the building to collapse on students who were praying below. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported that the building's foundations were inadequate to support the additional weight, leading to the disaster.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations commenced immediately following the collapse, with hundreds of rescuers, including police and military personnel, working tirelessly through the night. Efforts were complicated by the unstable condition of the remaining structure, which prompted temporary halts in operations due to fears of further collapse. Rescuers have been providing oxygen and water to those trapped while carefully navigating the debris. As of the latest reports, eight survivors have been pulled from the rubble, but additional bodies have been sighted, indicating that the death toll may rise.
Official Statements & Responses
Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the disaster mitigation agency, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This sudden occurrence caused building material to fall on dozens of students and workers." Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the construction, with provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast noting that the expansion lacked proper permits and did not meet safety standards.
Criticism & Opposition
The collapse has raised significant concerns regarding construction safety standards in Indonesia, particularly in the context of private educational institutions. Local officials, including Sidoarjo regent Subandi, criticized the lack of oversight, stating, "The construction was not up to standard." This incident follows a recent trend of building collapses in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of construction regulations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While initial reports indicated that 65 students were missing, this number has been revised to 38 as rescue efforts progressed. The exact number of injured varies across sources, with reports indicating that over 100 individuals were treated for injuries, some in critical condition. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify these discrepancies.
What's Next
Authorities are expected to continue rescue operations as long as there is a possibility of finding survivors. Investigations into the cause of the collapse and the legality of the construction will also be prioritized, with a focus on preventing similar tragedies in the future. The community remains on high alert as families await news of their loved ones, with many gathering at hospitals and the school site.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have been running oxygen and water to those still trapped under the debris and keeping them alive while we work hard to get them out,” — Nanang Sigit, Search and Rescue Officer
- “The old building’s foundation was apparently unable to support two floors of concrete and collapsed during the pouring process,” — Jules Abraham Abast, Provincial Police Spokesperson
- “The construction was not up to standard,” — Subandi, Sidoarjo Regent
