Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Surges to 54 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Death Toll from Indonesia School Collapse Rises to 54 The death toll from the collapse of a school in Indonesia has risen to 54, authorities announced on Wednesday, with rescuers still searching for more than a dozen missing people. The disaster, which occurred last Monday at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java, is now considered the country's deadliest this year. According to officials, hundreds of students, mostly teenage boys, had gathered for prayers when the two-storey building caved in while undergoing construction. "The foundation of the building was unstable," said Budi Irawan, a deputy at the disaster mitigation agency, explaining one possible cause of the collapse. "Out of all the disasters in 2025, natural or not, there hasn't been as many dead victims as the ones in Sidoarjo." Rescuers are expected to complete their search for 13 victims trapped under the rubble by the end of the day. The toll includes at least two people who were freed from the debris but later died in hospital. The collapse has raised concerns about building safety and construction practices in Indonesia, a country prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides. "This tragedy highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure that buildings are constructed with safety in mind," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an expert on disaster management at the University of Indonesia. The Indonesian government has promised to investigate the cause of the collapse and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, families of the victims are left to mourn their loss and wonder how such a tragedy could have occurred. As the search for missing persons continues, authorities are urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with rescue efforts. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and accountability in construction projects. Background: The Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school is located in Sidoarjo, East Java, an area prone to natural disasters. The school was built on a site that had been previously used for agricultural purposes, but it is unclear whether this fact contributed to the collapse. Additional Perspectives: Experts say that the incident highlights the need for more stringent building codes and regular inspections to ensure that structures are safe for occupancy. "This tragedy is a wake-up call for authorities to take a closer look at construction practices in Indonesia," said Dr. John Lee, an expert on structural engineering at the University of California. Current Status: Rescuers are working around the clock to search for missing persons and recover bodies from the rubble. Authorities have promised to provide support to families affected by the disaster and to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the tragedy at Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and accountability in construction projects. *Reporting by Bbc.*