The death toll from the tragic collapse of a multi-storey Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, has risen to 45 confirmed fatalities, according to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly to locate and recover victims still trapped beneath the rubble following the sudden collapse that occurred during afternoon prayers on Monday.
The al Khoziny Islamic boarding school, which was undergoing an unauthorized expansion to add two additional stories, gave way unexpectedly, burying students and staff under concrete debris. The collapse happened at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time, as hundreds of students—mostly boys aged 12 to 18—were gathered in the prayer hall. Female students, who were in a separate part of the building, managed to escape unharmed.
Basarnas operations director Yudhi Bramantyo confirmed that 149 individuals have been evacuated, with 104 survivors and 45 deceased. The number of missing persons remains uncertain, though officials estimate that at least 26 individuals may still be buried beneath the wreckage. The rescue operation is currently 60 percent complete, and authorities aim to clear the remaining debris by Tuesday.
The use of heavy machinery was approved by families after the critical 72-hour “golden period” for survival elapsed. Rescue teams have employed thermal drones, detectors, and narrow passageways to deliver oxygen, water, and food to those trapped. The operation remains delicate, as vibrations in one area could destabilize other sections of the collapsed structure.
Initial investigations suggest that substandard construction practices may have contributed to the disaster. The school’s expansion was reportedly carried out without proper permits, raising concerns about building safety standards across the country. This incident follows a similar collapse in West Java last month that claimed three lives during a prayer recital.
President Donald Trump has expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and international aid organizations have offered support to assist in recovery and relief efforts.