UPDATE: The death toll from the devastating collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java, Indonesia, has risen to 65, authorities confirmed today. The tragic incident occurred on September 30, and rescuers continue to search for survivors beneath the rubble, seven days after the disaster.
The school, primarily attended by teenage boys, saw its concrete walls and floors cave in, trapping hundreds. While many students managed to escape, the relentless search efforts by Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, led by Mohammad Syafii, have uncovered more bodies and body parts, bringing the confirmed death toll to 65.
As of now, it remains uncertain how many individuals are still unaccounted for. Syafii stated, “We will continue the search operation until we are sure that no victims are left.” Footage released by rescue teams shows workers carrying orange body bags from the wreckage, highlighting the ongoing urgency of the situation.
Authorities attribute the building’s collapse to construction work on the upper floors, which the school’s foundations could not support. Dody Hanggodo, Indonesia’s public works minister, revealed that of the approximately 42,000 Islamic school buildings, known locally as pesantren, only 50 possess legal building permits. It remains unclear if Al Khoziny had the necessary permits for its construction.
The incident has raised serious concerns about building safety standards in Indonesia, where many schools operate without proper oversight. As the search continues, families and communities are left in anguish, waiting for news about their loved ones.
The emotional toll is high, with parents and relatives anxiously waiting for updates. The Indonesian government faces increasing pressure to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. As recovery efforts move forward, the focus shifts to accountability and reform in building regulations across the country.
Updates will follow as this developing story unfolds.
