Catastrophe Worsens as Indonesian Educational Institution Structural Failure Death Toll Increases to 54

News Agency

The number of fatalities from the collapse of an educational facility in Indonesia has climbed to 54, according to authorities, with emergency responders still looking for over twelve unaccounted persons.

Numerous pupils, mostly teenage boys, had assembled for prayers at the Islamic boarding school in Eastern Java when the structure collapsed while being renovated.

The country's emergency management authority describes this as the country's deadliest disaster this year. Rescue personnel are expected to complete their rescue mission for thirteen individuals ensnared beneath the rubble by day's end.

Probe Ongoing into Collapse Cause

Authorities are continuing to probe the cause behind the collapse. Certain authorities suggested the two-storey building caved in due to an inadequate base.

"Out of all the catastrophes in 2025, natural or not, there has not occurred as numerous fatalities as the incident in Sidoarjo," declared a deputy from the emergency management authority during a press conference.

The total count encompasses at least two people who were extracted from the debris but subsequently died in hospital.

School Background and Regulatory Concerns

The facility is a conventional Islamic boarding school in Indonesia, referred to as a pesantren.

Numerous Islamic schools function informally, lacking comprehensive oversight or regular inspections. It remains unclear whether the school had proper authorization to conduct additional construction.

Operational Difficulties

Emergency response efforts have faced difficulties due to the way the building collapsed, creating tight spaces for emergency personnel to maneuver within, officials stated previously.

Eyewitness Reports

Survivors have recounted their harrowing survival stories with local media.

One teenage eyewitness recalled first "noticing the sound of collapsing materials", which "intensified and louder".

The young person immediately ran for the exit, and while he successfully got out, he was injured by collapsing materials from the ceiling.