Rescue Efforts Intensify After Deadly Indonesia School Collapse
Rescue operations are in full swing in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, following the tragic collapse of the al Khoziny Islamic boarding school, which occurred on March 11, 2024. As of Wednesday, rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors, with approximately 91 students still unaccounted for. The incident has resulted in at least three confirmed deaths and around 100 injuries, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The school was reportedly undergoing an unauthorized expansion to add two additional stories when the structure collapsed during afternoon prayers, around 14:30 local time. Eyewitness accounts suggest that heavy concrete slabs fell onto students gathered in the prayer hall. Many of the students affected were aged between 12 and 18, primarily boys in grades seven to twelve, while female students, who were praying in another part of the building, managed to escape.
Rescue Operations Continue Amid Challenges
Rescue efforts have mobilized over 300 workers who are working tirelessly to reach those trapped beneath the rubble. The head of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, Mohammad Syafii, expressed hope that the operation could yield positive results soon. He stated, “We are currently racing against time because it is possible that we can still save lives of those we have detected within the golden hours.”
Despite the use of heavy equipment being limited due to fears of causing further structural collapse, rescue teams have been providing oxygen, water, and food through narrow gaps in the debris to sustain those believed to be alive. Advanced technologies, including thermal drones and detectors, are also being utilized to locate potential survivors.
The challenges are compounded by the instability of the remaining structure; authorities have indicated that at least six children are believed to be alive under the rubble. As rescue operations progress, the chance of survival decreases significantly after the first 24 hours, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Investigation into Building Safety Underway
The collapse has raised serious questions about building safety regulations in Indonesia. According to authorities, the school was undergoing construction without the necessary permits, and the foundation of the original building may not have been capable of supporting the additional weight. This has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the expansion.
The head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, Suharyanto, acknowledged the confusion in initial reports regarding the number of missing individuals. The agency initially reported 38 missing, but this number was later revised to 91 after consulting attendance lists and interviewing families.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, hopes remain for the safe rescue of those still trapped. Authorities are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to building codes and safety standards.
