The Al Khoziny boarding school in Sidoarjo, located about 485 miles east of Jakarta, collapsed on Monday, Sept. 29. By Wednesday, Oct. 1, rescuers had recovered seven teenage boys from the debris, but two were found dead. Local officials confirmed that at least five people have been killed and 59 remain missing as of Thursday morning. Earlier reports noted three fatalities, including a 13-year-old student.
One of the survivors was 13-year-old Syailendra Haikal, who was rescued on Wednesday. His mother, Dwi Ajeng Tyasusanti, shared her relief with CNN Indonesia: “I kept saying, ‘My child is strong, my child is strong.’ Haikal made it out.” She added that his injuries were minor, limited to facial bruises and scrapes on his legs.
Meanwhile, many families are still waiting for answers. Umi Kulsum, whose 15-year-old son Sulaiman Hadi has not been found, told CNN she refuses to give up hope: “I still believe my son can be found alive. I just ask the rescuers to keep searching. He’s my only child.” She last spoke to her son three days before the tragedy and recalled him saying he was happy, even while living away at school.
Authorities initially feared as many as 91 students were trapped but later revised the number to 59. In an Instagram statement, the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) emphasized the urgency of the mission, writing: “Every second counts. Let’s pray that the process goes smoothly and the victims are found soon.” The collapsed structure was confirmed to be four stories high, with most of the victims believed to be boys aged 12 to 17.
Despite intensive efforts, Yudhi Bramantyo, director of operations at Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency (Basarnas), said on Wednesday that no additional signs of life have been detected. “All victims who were able to communicate with the team have already been evacuated from two search sectors,” he explained. Thermal imaging equipment has been deployed but has not revealed further survivors.
Rescue workers, in coordination with families, have now agreed to use heavy machinery to clear rubble and recover bodies.
The collapse occurred during afternoon prayers, while unauthorized construction work was taking place at the Islamic school, according to police. Reports from the BBC and Reuters confirm that the building’s modifications had not been approved.
Local newspaper Kompas stated that a total of 102 people have been evacuated since the incident.
