Overview of the incident
A multi‑storey Islamic boarding school building under construction collapsed on Monday afternoon in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. Officials confirmed at least one student was killed, and a large number of students remained trapped beneath the rubble. Local reports and authorities said the affected students were between 12 and 17 years old, with around 65 believed to be trapped as rescue efforts continued into the evening. The collapse drew a swift response from police and local rescue teams who worked through the debris as families gathered nearby in distress.
What happened and where
The structure that gave way was a three‑storey building, with work underway to add a fourth floor. According to officials, the two lower levels were in use for classes, while the ground floor served as a prayer hall for the students and staff. The disaster occurred during a time when the school was filled with students preparing for prayers, compounding the danger as debris poured into occupied areas.
Casualties and people trapped
As rescue teams cleared the rubble, authorities reported one confirmed fatality and warned that the death toll could rise as search efforts continued. About 65 students were believed to be trapped beneath the debris, with rescuers and medical personnel on standby to treat those who could be reached. The ages of those affected and the crowded interior at the time of the collapse underscored the gravity of the incident and the emotional toll on families waiting for news.
Rescue efforts and response
Emergency responders, including police and local volunteers, have been working to locate survivors and recover those still trapped. Rescue operations involved careful shoring of unstable sections, digging through concrete and rubble, and coordinating with on‑site medical teams to triage and treat the injured. Local authorities indicated that they would request help from structural engineers to assess the remains of the building and determine safe access routes for rescuers. Families and members of the community lined streets near the site, praying and hoping for positive outcomes as the search continued.
Building details and possible causes
Officials stated that the building was three stories tall with a fourth floor under construction. The presence of heavy concrete pours on the third level has led investigators to examine whether structural weaknesses or construction practices contributed to the collapse. While a precise cause has not yet been established, investigators will review safety compliance, materials, workmanship, and adherence to building codes during ongoing construction. The incident has renewed attention on safety standards in educational facilities undergoing expansion, especially in crowded school environments.
What comes next
Authorities have pledged a full probe into the incident and will seek accountability for any safety breaches. In the immediate term, the focus remains on rescue operations, securing the site, and supporting families as more information becomes available. Officials also emphasised the importance of safety checks and clearer protocols for ongoing construction at educational sites to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community impact and safety measures
The collapse has sent shockwaves through the local community, with relatives frantically awaiting word about their children. Community leaders and aid workers have mobilised to provide shelter, counseling, and basic needs for families affected by the collapse. The incident underscores the need for rigorous enforcement of building safety standards, especially for facilities that continue to operate and expand while students are present. As the investigation unfolds, local authorities and school administrators are likely to review construction practices and safety training to help protect students moving forward.
