Indonesian School Collapse: 14 Lives Lost as Rescue Crews Face Daunting Task to Reach Missing Students

Indonesian School Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 14 as Crews Pull More Bodies from Rubble The death toll from the collapse of a school in Sidoarjo, Indonesia has risen to 14 after multiple bodies were pulled from beneath the rubble on Friday. Dozens of students remain unaccounted for and the death toll is expected to rise. Timeline: Monday: The three-story boarding school collapsed, trapping dozens of students inside. Tuesday-Thursday: Rescuers searched by hand for survivors but found no signs of life. Thursday: Heavy excavators were brought in to aid in the rescue efforts. Friday: Multiple bodies were pulled from beneath the rubble, raising the death toll to 14. Immediate Impact and Response: Rescue crews worked through the hot sun on Friday, using heavy excavators equipped with jackhammers to break up large slabs of concrete. The smell of decomposing bodies was a grim reminder of what they would find. "It's a very difficult situation," said a spokesperson for the rescue efforts. "We're doing everything we can to locate any survivors and recover those who have lost their lives." Background Context: The school in Sidoarjo is a rural area in East Java, Indonesia. The building was under construction when it collapsed on Monday. An investigation into the cause of the collapse has been launched. What Happens Next: As rescue efforts continue, officials are working to account for all students and staff who were at the school. The Indonesian government has pledged support to the affected families and is working with international aid organizations to provide assistance. The incident highlights concerns about building safety and construction practices in Indonesia. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Theguardian reporting.*