Indonesia (Rajeev Sharma): The death toll from the devastating collapse of a prayer hall at an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia has risen to 61, after rescue teams recovered 12 more bodies on Monday. The tragedy unfolded on September 29 at the Al Khojini Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, while students were gathered for their afternoon prayers.
The building, which had stood for over a century, was undergoing unauthorized expansion at the time of the collapse. Most of the victims were young boys, with only one student confirmed to have survived the disaster. Authorities reported that 99 students were injured, and while most have since been treated and released, four remain in critical condition.
Rescue operations have been challenging, with no survivors found after three days of searching. Heavy machinery was brought in last week to assist in clearing the rubble. The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed on Monday that 12 more bodies had been recovered, but rescue workers are still looking for two missing students. Given the extensive damage and lack of signs of life, officials have stated they do not expect any further survivors.
The bodies recovered were in such a state of disfigurement that they were difficult to identify. To aid in the identification process, family members of the victims have submitted DNA samples to the Bhayangkara Police Hospital in nearby Surabaya.
The collapse has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern, as it has come to light that the expansion of the prayer hall had not been authorized by local authorities. Investigations are now underway to determine the cause of the collapse and the extent of any negligence involved in the illegal construction.
The incident has left the local community in shock, and families of the victims are demanding accountability. Authorities have promised a full investigation, while rescue operations continue, albeit with little hope of finding additional survivors.
As Indonesia mourns this tragedy, the nation’s focus is now on ensuring that such an event is never repeated and that those responsible for the illegal construction are held to account.
