Dozens of students trapped after school collapses in Indonesia

Indonesia experienced a tragic incident on September 29, 2025, with the collapse of a building at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo. The structure was reportedly under construction and had been undergoing unauthorized renovations, adding two additional floors without the necessary permits. This led to the building's foundation, which could not support the extra weight, giving way. As a result, dozens of students were trapped as they gathered for afternoon prayers. Emergency services rapidly mobilized, with rescuers working through the night to locate survivors and treat the injured. As the rescue operation began, it was determined that at least three students had died, with several more presumed buried under the rubble. Digging efforts continued as rescue workers, police, and soldiers scoured the debris while running oxygen and water to those still trapped beneath the concrete. Families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones, with many gathering near the site and hospitals where the injured were taken. The incident drew attention to the troubling state of construction safety standards in the country. By the following morning, the number of injured had risen to over 100, and many more students were still unaccounted for. Rescuers pulled out a number of weak survivors from the rubble, but were met with the harsh reality of bodies located underneath the fallen concrete. The collapse not only raised concerns about building and safety regulations but also highlighted the emotional toll on families, as mothers and fathers cried out for their children. Some of the injured needed urgent medical attention, with several undergoing surgeries due to their injuries. Authorities launched a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse, which has underscored the need for stricter enforcement of construction laws in Indonesia. This tragedy comes as a grim reminder of the risks associated with unregulated building practices. The incident also raises awareness about the conditions in Islamic boarding schools, where many students live and study, and the importance of maintaining safe environments for their education. Rescue operations were expected to continue until every possible survivor was located and family members received information about their children’s fate.