Tragedy Deepens as Indonesian Educational Institution Collapse Fatalities Rises to 54
Media Source
The death count from the structural failure of an educational facility in Indonesia has climbed to 54, as confirmed by officials, with rescue teams still looking for more than a dozen unaccounted persons.
Numerous students, primarily adolescent males, had gathered for religious services at the religious educational institution in Eastern Java when the building gave way while undergoing construction.
The country's emergency management authority characterizes this as the country's deadliest catastrophe this year. Rescue personnel are expected to conclude their rescue mission for 13 victims ensnared beneath the rubble by day's end.
Investigation Ongoing into Structural Failure
Investigators are continuing to probe the reason behind the structural failure. Some officials indicated the two-level structure caved in due to an inadequate base.
"Out of all the catastrophes in 2025, whether natural or man-made, there has not occurred as numerous fatalities as the incident 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 rubble but later succumbed in medical care.
Institutional Context and Regulatory Concerns
The facility is a traditional Islamic boarding school in Indonesia, referred to as a pesantren.
Numerous pesantren operate without formal oversight, without comprehensive oversight or regular inspections. It remains unclear whether the institution had necessary permits to undertake building modifications.
Operational Difficulties
Search and rescue operations have faced difficulties due to the manner the structure collapsed, creating narrow voids for emergency personnel to maneuver within, authorities reported last week.
Eyewitness Reports
Survivors have recounted their harrowing survival stories with local media.
One 13-year-old eyewitness recalled first "noticing the sound of falling rocks", which "intensified and louder".
The young person quickly rushed for the exit, and while he managed to escape, he was injured by falling debris from the roof.