What Caused the Death Toll to Rise to 60 in Indonesia's School Building Collapse?
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Synopsis
A tragic incident in Indonesia has unfolded as the death toll from the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school building collapse has reached 60. This article explores the ongoing rescue operations, the challenges faced, and the implications of poor construction practices. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of the incident and its aftermath.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll has risen to 60 in the school building collapse.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with 11 additional bodies recovered.
- Authorities are cautious in debris removal to avoid further damage.
- Investigation points to poor construction practices as a possible cause.
- School management failed to obtain necessary building permits.
Jakarta, October 6 (NationPress) The death toll from the collapse of a building at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, has tragically increased to 60 after search and rescue teams located 11 more bodies on Monday, as reported by Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
According to BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari, the victims were uncovered under the debris between midnight and 6:15 PM local time, as detailed in a press statement by Xinhua News Agency. Three individuals are still unaccounted for, based on an attendance list provided by the Islamic boarding school.
Along with complete bodies, the joint search and rescue efforts also retrieved five dismembered body parts. All remains have been transported to Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya for identification.
BNPB indicated that the number of patients receiving treatment has risen to 104, with four individuals discharged, while 99 remain hospitalized, and one person does not require medical attention.
Rescue operations are ongoing in sectors A1 and A2, where collapsed concrete continues to obscure older structures. Authorities have stated that debris removal is being executed cautiously to prevent further damage to adjacent buildings.
The school building fell on September 29, trapping numerous students inside.
On October 2, rescuers commenced the use of heavy machinery after detecting no additional signs of life, having previously depended on manual techniques due to concerns that vibrations from larger equipment could cause further collapses.
Officials have noted that the rescue efforts are particularly difficult, as movement in one area of the site may destabilize other sections.
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are still in progress, with early assessments suggesting that inadequate construction practices may have played a significant role.
Subandi, the district head of Sidoarjo, confirmed earlier police reports indicating that the school’s administration did not secure the necessary building permits before initiating the project.
As per Indonesia’s 2002 Building Construction Code, permits must be acquired from relevant authorities before any construction activity. Noncompliance can result in fines or imprisonment, and penalties may include up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching 8 billion rupiah (approximately USD 500,000) if the violation leads to fatalities.
Point of View
It is crucial to view this devastating event through a lens of accountability and safety. The rising death toll at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school underscores the need for strict adherence to construction regulations and the dire consequences of negligence in our building practices. The nation must come together to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the building collapse?
Initial investigations suggest that poor construction practices may have contributed to the collapse.
How many people are still missing?
As of now, three individuals are still unaccounted for following the collapse.
What are the penalties for failing to obtain building permits in Indonesia?
Violating building permit regulations can lead to fines, imprisonment up to 15 years, and significant financial penalties if fatalities occur.
