In a heartbreaking incident on 30 September 2024, the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, collapsed while students were at afternoon prayers. Rescuers are racing against time to find the 91 teenagers and staff still missing, after the building suffered a structural failure due to ongoing construction on the upper floors.
The Collapse
The disaster struck as many students were praying in the mosque located on the lower level of the building. Approximately 102 individuals have been rescued, while one individual has tragically lost their life. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise as the building crumbled, resulting in a chaotic scene.
- 91 people are currently unaccounted for.
- More than 80 others have sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
- Rescue operations involve the use of cranes and bulldozers to sift through the rubble.
Search and Rescue Operations
Families are anxiously gathered near the collapse site, desperately seeking news of their loved ones. Officials from the disaster mitigation agency have stated that the unstable conditions of the ruins prevent the use of heavy machinery, leading to an intensified effort by hand in search operations.
Building Safety Concerns
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the building’s foundation may not have been able to support the additional weight from ongoing construction. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the disaster mitigation agency, stressed the need for stricter safety regulations in such constructions, especially in a country where lax building standards have sparked serious safety concerns.
A Call for Change
This incident highlights the urgent necessity for regulatory reforms in Indonesia’s construction industry. With previous incidents, including a building collapse earlier this month in West Java, the urgency for prioritising safety cannot be overstated.
As authorities continue their search for survivors, the stories of families bravely holding onto hope remain central to this tragic event. Each day brings a desperate quest for those who remain missing among the rubble, with the community united in grief and hope.