Indonesia Tragedy: Islamic School Building Collapse Leaves One Dead, Dozens Trapped

Sidoarjo (The Uttam Hindu): A devastating tragedy struck Indonesia on Tuesday when an Islamic boarding school building collapsed in East Java’s Sidoarjo district. The incident claimed the life of one student and left dozens more injured, while nearly 65 students are feared trapped under the rubble.

The collapse occurred during afternoon prayers, turning a moment of worship into chaos and panic. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with cries for help echoing from beneath the debris. Rescue teams, assisted by police and the army, immediately launched operations that continued through the night.

Officials confirmed that the building was old and structurally weak, and preliminary reports suggest that unauthorized construction activities inside the facility may have contributed to the disaster.

So far, rescue workers have managed to pull out eight students alive, but fears remain high as reports indicate the presence of more bodies under the wreckage. The trapped students are believed to be between 12 and 17 years old, raising concerns over the safety of school infrastructure in rural Indonesia.

Authorities have begun a formal investigation into the incident. Police officials have assured that strict action will be taken once accountability is established.

This accident highlights the urgent need for building safety audits, especially in educational institutions, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.