Full Breakdown
Tragedy Strikes as Islamic School in Indonesia Collapses During Prayers
10/2/2025, 10:39:06 AM
Overview of the Incident
On September 30, 2025, the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, experienced a catastrophic collapse while students were engaged in afternoon prayers. The building, which was undergoing unauthorized construction to add two additional floors, failed to support the weight of the new structure, resulting in a "pancake" collapse that trapped many students beneath the debris. As of the latest reports, at least five students have been confirmed dead, and approximately 91 individuals are still believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts have been ongoing for several days, with over 300 personnel from various agencies, including the National Search and Rescue Agency, working tirelessly to locate survivors. Initial reports indicated that 38 individuals were missing, but this number was later revised to 91 based on attendance records and family reports. Rescuers have employed thermal-sensing drones and manual digging techniques to navigate the unstable debris, providing oxygen, water, and food to those trapped. As of Wednesday, rescuers successfully pulled out five survivors who were able to communicate, indicating that some individuals may still be alive beneath the rubble.
Complications from Earthquake
The rescue operations faced additional challenges when a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck the region, further compacting the debris and reducing the available space for rescue efforts. This seismic activity raised concerns about the stability of the remaining structure, prompting rescuers to proceed with caution. Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, noted that the earthquake significantly impacted the conditions for those still trapped, making the rescue mission even more complex.
Criticism of Construction Practices
The incident has sparked widespread criticism regarding the lax construction standards in Indonesia, particularly concerning the unauthorized expansion of the school building. Experts have pointed to foundational failures as a primary cause of the collapse, with calls for stricter safety regulations and oversight of construction practices. Parents of the trapped students have expressed their anguish and frustration, demanding accountability from the school management and local authorities. Many families have camped outside the school, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
Official Statements
Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency, stated, “We believe our children might still be alive because they were crying for help,” emphasizing the urgency of the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, local officials have acknowledged the need for improved building safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The main structure has totally collapsed.” — Emi Freezer, National Search and Rescue Agency
- “We are racing against time now.” — Abdul Hanan, parent of a missing student
- “If the construction was good, then if the building collapses, it should break.” — Emi Frizer, search and rescue official
What's Next
As rescue operations continue, authorities are focused on locating any remaining survivors. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway, with a particular emphasis on the construction practices employed at the Al Khoziny school. The situation remains precarious, and the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.
