Indonesia : The number of casualties in the tragic school building collapse in East Java has risen to 14, as rescue teams recovered more bodies from the debris on Friday. Several students are still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
The incident occurred at the Kojini Islamic Boarding School, a century-old religious institution located in the Sidoarjo district. The building, which included a prayer hall, gave way on Monday, trapping dozens inside.
Despite ongoing rescue efforts throughout the week, hopes of finding survivors have faded. On Friday evening, nine additional bodies were pulled from the rubble, bringing the total to 14 confirmed dead, according to Indonesia’s disaster management officials.
“Two bodies were located near the prayer area, and another was found close to one of the exits,” said Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, during a press briefing. He added that the mission is expected to continue until Saturday night, or until all missing persons are accounted for.
At least 50 students remain missing, prompting fears that they may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Rescue crews have employed heavy machinery to speed up the search, especially after no signs of life were detected under the debris as of Thursday.
The cause of the collapse has not yet been confirmed, but authorities say investigations are underway to determine whether the building’s age and structural integrity were contributing factors.
Families of the missing have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting news. Local officials have pledged to provide support to the affected families and promised a thorough inquiry into the incident.
