The death toll from the tragic collapse of a multi-storey Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, has risen to 45 confirmed fatalities.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 2, 2025, during afternoon prayers, when the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School suddenly gave way, burying hundreds of students under the rubble.
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate and recover victims still trapped beneath the debris. As of October 5, 2025, the rescue operation is approximately 60% complete, with authorities aiming to clear the remaining debris by Tuesday. Heavy machinery was deployed to aid in the recovery process after families of the missing agreed to its use following the 72-hour “golden period” for survival.
According to Yudhi Bramantyo, operations director at the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), “According to our calculation, the total number of victims we have evacuated is 149, with 45 reported dead… and 104 survivors.” At least 26 people are still missing, and authorities fear that the number may rise as the rescue operation continues.
The rescue operation has been complex, with rescuers employing thermal drones, detectors, and narrow passageways to deliver oxygen, water, and food to trapped individuals. Budi Irawan, national disaster agency official, said, “Our hope is that by tomorrow everything will be levelled and we can determine the approximate number of victims who are in the rubble.”
Initial investigations suggest that substandard construction practices may have contributed to the disaster. The school’s expansion was reportedly carried out without proper permits, raising concerns about building safety standards in Indonesia. This incident follows a similar collapse in West Java last month that claimed three lives.
The Indonesian government has expressed its commitment to investigating the cause of the collapse and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. As the rescue operation continues, the nation holds out hope for the safe recovery of all remaining victims.
