Indonesia School: Race Against Time to Save Lives After Tragic Collapse
Indonesia School a devastating building collapse in the town of Sidoarjo, Java, has left rescuers racing against time as dozens of students remain trapped beneath the rubble. The incident occurred on Monday when part of a multi-storey boarding school suddenly gave way as students gathered for afternoon prayers. Two days later, five survivors were pulled out alive, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy. Officials said the death toll has risen to five, and more than 90 people are believed to be still trapped.
Yudhi Bramantyo, operational director of the search and rescue services, confirmed that seven people had been recovered on Wednesday, five alive and two deceased. “The rescued students were able to communicate with teams, which keeps our hopes alive,” he said. Emotional scenes unfolded as anxious parents gathered at the site, desperate for news about their missing children. “We believe our children are still alive. We heard them crying for help,” said Abdul Hanan, whose 14-year-old son is still missing.
Indonesia School: Rescue Efforts Face Challenges Amid Desperation
The rescue operation has proven to be one of the most complex in recent years. With much of the building’s main structure completely collapsed, crews have been forced to dig underground tunnels to reach possible survivors. Even small vibrations could destabilize remaining debris, making every move extremely dangerous. “To reach them safely, we must dig narrow passages. The structure’s heavy concrete columns make the work even harder,” said Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency.
Teams are using advanced tools, including thermal-sensing drones and snake cameras, to locate survivors. Signs of life have been detected in at least seven locations beneath the ruins, and water and food are being delivered through narrow gaps. However, with the 72-hour “golden period” for survival approaching its end, rescuers say time is running out. Efforts were briefly halted after an offshore earthquake shook the region overnight, further complicating operations. Also Read: Gaza Aid Flotilla Intercepted: Israeli Navy Diverts Big Humanitarian Mission
Indonesia School: Structural Flaws and Safety Concerns Emerge
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was caused by structural weaknesses, with foundation pillars unable to support the additional weight of new construction added to the fourth floor. Experts say lax construction practices and incomplete building standards remain widespread in Indonesia, where owners often add new floors later without adequate reinforcement.
“The addition of new structures without proper support was likely a key factor,” said a spokesperson from the National Disaster Management Agency. Residents reported that the collapse was so severe it caused vibrations across the neighborhood. “I felt the ground shake and heard a loud noise. People started running everywhere,” said Ani, a local shop owner.
View this post on Instagram
The incident has renewed concerns about Indonesia’s construction safety regulations, especially in schools and public buildings. Earlier this month, a similar collapse during a religious gathering in West Java killed three people and injured dozens, raising alarms about building oversight.
Conclusion
The collapse of the Indonesia school building has become a national tragedy, highlighting deep-rooted issues in construction safety and emergency preparedness. As rescuers continue their desperate search for survivors, families cling to hope that their children will be found alive. The disaster has sparked urgent calls for stricter building regulations to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of students across the country.
