A tragic incident unfolded at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, where a building collapse occurred during a prayer gathering. Three lives have been claimed and over 99 individuals are hospitalized, with several sustaining critical injuries. Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate and save at least 38 students who remain trapped beneath the rubble.


The collapse occurred on Monday, caught students and staff off guard, with the structure's foundation deemed unstable. This led to its inability to support the additional construction of two more floors, as confirmed by the disaster mitigation agency. Many of the trapped individuals, predominantly teenage boys aged 12 to 17, were attending prayers when disaster struck.


Meanwhile, reports indicate that the girls in a different area of the building managed to escape unharmed. Authorities are concerned as rescue operations have faced interruptions due to fears of further collapses, with the structure described as having a 'pancake-like' formation that complicates rescue efforts.


Eyewitness accounts from surviving students recount a frantic scene filled with noise and panic as debris fell around them. Several families are desperately awaiting news of their loved ones, expressing disbelief and sorrow as they gather outside the school.


Concerns regarding the safety regulations of the construction practices in Indonesia have resurfaced, with the school's management reportedly lacking the necessary permits for the building work. Historically, the construction sector in the country has faced criticism for its poor safety records.


This incident reflects broader issues surrounding oversight in traditional Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantren, which often operate without stringent regulations. As rescuers continue their work, the community is left grappling with the tragic aftermath of this collapse, echoing the need for reforms in safety practices.