Three students dead, dozens missing after school building collapse in Indonesia

At least three students have died and dozens remain missing after a building collapsed at the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java. The tragedy struck on Sep 30 afternoon as students assembled for prayers, prompting a massive rescue effort.

Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) confirmed that 11 people have been pulled alive from the debris, while 91 others managed to escape before the structure gave way.

As of Tuesday morning, 77 victims were being treated at local hospitals, many with fractures and head injuries. At least 38 people are still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

Rescue workers, including local firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers, are using heavy equipment to clear rubble while oxygen is being supplied to trapped survivors.

Authorities have cordoned off the site, warning of further instability in the remaining parts of the building.

BNPB officials said the collapse was likely triggered by structural failure of the foundation pillars, which were under strain as construction crews were concreting the building’s fourth floor.

“There are strong indications of overloading and weak foundation support,” an early assessment noted.

The East Java provincial government has pledged a full investigation, stressing the need for stricter adherence to construction safety standards.

Officials also urged boarding schools and community institutions to ensure technical supervision and compliance with national building codes.

The incident has shocked the local community, where Al-Khoziny is a well-known religious institution. Families of the victims gathered near the site and hospitals, waiting anxiously for news of missing children.

Religious leaders in the area have called for prayers and support for those affected.

This marks the second major building collapse in Indonesia in less than a month, underscoring persistent concerns about construction quality and oversight in the country.

As rescue operations continue, officials say their immediate priority is locating those still trapped while providing urgent medical care to the injured. “Every effort is being made to find survivors,” said a BNPB spokesperson.