What is the latest death toll from the Indonesia school building collapse?
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Synopsis
The devastating collapse of a school building in East Java, Indonesia has led to a rising death toll, now confirmed at 14. Rescuers are working tirelessly as nearly 50 individuals remain missing. This tragic incident raises questions about safety regulations and the construction process in educational institutions. Discover the unfolding situation and efforts to rescue those still trapped.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll has risen to 14.
- Nearly 50 people remain unaccounted for.
- Heavy machinery has been deployed for rescue.
- Unauthorized renovations led to the collapse.
- Investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Jakarta, Oct 4 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the tragic collapse of a school building in East Java, Indonesia, has tragically increased to 14, according to a local rescue official on Saturday.
By Friday evening, rescuers had unearthed nine additional bodies, bringing the total number of deaths to 14, as reported by Tholeb Vatelehan, a senior communications official from the East Java Search and Rescue Office.
Currently, nearly 50 individuals are still unaccounted for, and the death toll could potentially rise.
Rescuers began utilizing heavy machinery on Thursday after detecting no further signs of life. Initially, they relied on manual excavation due to concerns that heavy equipment could exacerbate the situation.
A section of the multi-storey Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in the Sidoarjo district collapsed on Monday during unauthorized renovations, trapping numerous students, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On October 2, rescuers noted that no signs of life were detected beneath the debris of the collapsed school building, according to the national disaster agency.
"High-tech devices like thermal drones were deployed, but unfortunately, no new signs of life were identified," stated Suharyanto, the head of the National Disaster Management Agency, during a press briefing at the site of the collapse.
Hundreds of rescuers from various agencies are currently on-site. The investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing.
Suharyanto mentioned that three additional bodies were retrieved by rescue teams. Heavy machinery has been engaged in the ongoing excavation, with 55 individuals still missing.
The following day, rescue teams had to rely predominantly on manual excavation due to concerns that heavy equipment might trigger further collapse.
Most of the trapped students were boys aged between 12 and 19, attending grades seven to twelve. Female students were in another area of the building for prayers and managed to escape, according to survivors.
Authorities indicated that while the school had two storeys, additional floors were being constructed without the necessary permits. Police noted that the previous foundation was likely unable to support the weight of two concrete floors and collapsed during the pouring process.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this tragedy with a commitment to factual reporting and empathy for the victims' families. The ongoing rescue efforts reflect both the urgency of the situation and the community's resilience in the face of disaster. It is imperative that we continue to highlight the importance of building safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
04/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the school building collapse in Indonesia?
The collapse occurred during unauthorized renovations, with reports indicating that the foundation of the existing structure was likely inadequate to support the additional weight.
How many people are still missing after the collapse?
Currently, nearly 50 individuals are still unaccounted for, with rescue operations ongoing.
What measures are rescuers taking to find survivors?
Rescuers are utilizing both heavy machinery and manual excavation methods, while also employing high-tech equipment like thermal drones to search for signs of life.
What is being done to investigate the incident?
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the collapse to determine accountability and prevent future occurrences.
Were there any survivors from the incident?
Yes, female students who were praying in another section of the building managed to escape.
