Tragedy Worsens as Indonesian School Collapse Death Toll Rises to 54
Media Source
The death count from the collapse of an educational facility in Indonesia has escalated to 54, as confirmed by officials, with emergency responders continuing their search for over twelve missing individuals.
Hundreds students, mostly adolescent males, had assembled for religious services at the religious educational institution in East Java when the building gave way while being renovated.
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency describes this as the nation's deadliest disaster in 2025. Rescue personnel are expected to complete their rescue mission for thirteen individuals ensnared under debris by evening.
Investigation Ongoing into Structural Failure
Investigators are continuing to probe the cause behind the collapse. Some officials indicated the two-level structure collapsed due to an inadequate base.
"Among all the catastrophes in 2025, whether natural or man-made, there hasn't been as numerous fatalities as the ones in Sidoarjo," stated a deputy from the emergency management authority during a media briefing.
The total count encompasses at least two people who were rescued from the rubble but later succumbed in medical care.
School Background and Oversight Issues
The institution is a traditional religious educational center in Indonesia, commonly known as a pesantren.
Numerous pesantren function without formal oversight, without comprehensive oversight or regular inspections. It remains unclear whether the institution had necessary permits to conduct additional construction.
Operational Difficulties
Search and rescue operations have proven challenging due to the manner the building fell, leaving only tight spaces for rescuers to maneuver within, authorities reported previously.
Eyewitness Reports
Survivors have shared their terrifying survival stories with local media.
One 13-year-old eyewitness recalled first "hearing the sound of collapsing materials", which "grew louder and louder".
The adolescent immediately ran for the exit, and while he successfully got out, he was injured by collapsing materials from the roof.
