Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Rises to 49

Tragic School Collapse Claims 49 Lives in Indonesia

The death toll from the devastating collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia has risen to 49 people, with rescue operations continuing to search for 14 missing students. The tragedy occurred on September 29, 2025, when the century-old school building collapsed during afternoon prayers, trapping hundreds of students beneath concrete rubble.

Rescue Operations Shift from Rescue to Recovery

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly since the collapse, initially pulling several students alive from the wreckage. However, as the days passed, the mission shifted from rescue to recovery. 'We detected no further signs of life and had to make the agonizing decision to begin using heavy machinery to recover bodies,' said a rescue team leader on site. The operation was complicated by an earthquake that struck the region on Tuesday, potentially packing the debris tighter and reducing the chances of finding survivors.

Illegal Construction Blamed for Tragedy

Authorities have revealed that the collapse was caused by illegal construction work. The two-story building was undergoing an unauthorized expansion to add two additional levels without proper permits. 'The school's foundations could not support the ongoing construction work on the upper floors, causing the catastrophic collapse,' explained a structural engineer involved in the investigation. According to data from Indonesia's religious affairs ministry, there are about 42,000 Islamic school buildings (pesantren) in the country, but only 50 have building permits.

Building Safety Regulations Under Scrutiny

The tragedy has sparked widespread anger over illegal construction practices in Indonesia. The country has undergone significant reforms in construction safety standards with Law Number 11 of 2020 establishing stricter building safety rules aligned with international standards. However, implementation remains a challenge. 'This incident highlights the urgent need for strict implementation of construction safety standards across Indonesia,' stated a government official.

Victims and Survivors

Most victims were boys aged 12-19 who were praying in the hall when the collapse occurred. Only one student escaped unharmed, while 97 were treated for injuries and released, and six remain hospitalized with serious injuries. The school's caretaker, respected Islamic cleric Abdus Salam Mujib, has publicly apologized for the tragedy. Police have launched a criminal investigation, with potential legal consequences including up to 15 years imprisonment for violations causing deaths.

As rescue operations continue, the community mourns the loss of young lives and calls for stronger enforcement of building safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.