School Collapse in Indonesia: At Least 5 Fatalities Confirmed Amid Devastating Tragedy

Indonesia: Dozens Feared Dead in School Collapse, Officials Say A devastating school collapse in Indonesia has left dozens feared dead, with officials confirming at least five student fatalities and over 100 injuries. The tragedy occurred on Monday when a two-storey Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo town collapsed, trapping hundreds of students inside. According to Lt Gen Suharyanto, head of the disaster mitigation agency (BNBP), rescuers using thermal drones failed to detect any signs of life from the rubble. "Scientifically, no signs of life were found," he said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Despite efforts to clear debris and ensure silence, hopes for survivors dwindled. Rescue operations have been challenging due to the unstable structure of the building. Thirteen people were freed from the wreckage since rescue efforts began, but two later died in hospital. The incident has sparked widespread concern over building safety and emergency preparedness in Indonesia. The school, which housed hundreds of students, mostly teenage boys, was a popular Islamic boarding school in the region. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but officials suspect structural issues may have contributed to the disaster. Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency has been leading the rescue efforts, with teams working around the clock to locate any potential survivors. Heavy equipment will be used to move concrete slabs, but hopes for finding anyone alive are dwindling. The incident highlights the importance of robust building codes and emergency preparedness measures in preventing such tragedies. "This is a wake-up call for us to review our building standards and ensure that schools and other public buildings are safe for occupants," said an official from the Indonesian government. As rescue efforts continue, authorities are urging families of missing students to remain patient and cooperative with investigators. The incident has also sparked discussions on the use of AI-powered drones in disaster response, with experts suggesting their potential to aid in search and rescue operations. The current status is that rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate any remaining survivors, but hopes are dwindling. The investigation into the cause of the collapse continues, and authorities are reviewing building codes and emergency preparedness measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Background: Indonesia has a history of school collapses, with several incidents reported in recent years. In 2019, a school in Jakarta collapsed, killing three students and injuring dozens more. The incident led to calls for improved building safety standards and emergency preparedness measures. Additional Perspectives: Experts say that the use of AI-powered drones in disaster response could have potentially aided in locating survivors sooner. "Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can quickly scan large areas and detect heat signatures, which can indicate signs of life," said Dr. Sofia Rodriguez, a disaster response expert. The incident has also sparked discussions on the importance of community engagement and preparedness in disaster response. "Communities must be empowered to take ownership of their safety and emergency preparedness," said an official from the Indonesian Red Cross. Next Developments: As rescue efforts continue, authorities are working to provide support to families of missing students. The investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, with officials reviewing building codes and emergency preparedness measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. *Reporting by Bbc.*