Tragedy Worsens as Indonesia School Structural Failure Death Toll Increases to 54
News Agency
The death count from the collapse of an educational facility in Indonesia has climbed to 54, as confirmed by officials, with emergency responders still looking for over twelve missing individuals.
Numerous pupils, mostly teenage boys, had gathered for prayers at the religious educational institution in East Java when the structure gave way while being renovated.
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency describes this as the nation's deadliest disaster in 2025. Emergency workers are anticipated to complete their rescue mission for 13 victims trapped beneath the rubble by day's end.
Investigation Underway into Structural Failure
Investigators are still examining the reason behind the structural failure. Certain authorities suggested the two-storey building caved in due to an unstable foundation.
"Among all the disasters in 2025, whether natural or man-made, there has not occurred as numerous fatalities as the ones in Sidoarjo," declared a deputy from the emergency management authority during a media briefing.
The overall number includes at least two people who were rescued from the debris but later died in medical care.
Institutional Context and Oversight Issues
The institution is a conventional religious educational center in Indonesia, commonly known as a pesantren.
Many Islamic schools function without formal oversight, without comprehensive oversight or consistent monitoring. It remains unclear whether the school had necessary permits to conduct additional construction.
Operational Difficulties
Search and rescue operations have faced difficulties due to the manner the structure fell, creating tight spaces for rescuers to operate within, officials reported previously.
Eyewitness Reports
Survivors have recounted their terrifying escape experiences with regional news outlets.
One 13-year-old eyewitness recalled first "noticing the sound of falling rocks", which "grew louder and more intense".
The young person immediately ran for the exit, and while he successfully got out, he was wounded by falling debris from the roof.