Death Toll Rises to 37 in Indonesia School Collapse Rescue Efforts

The tragic collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school on Java Island, Indonesia, has resulted in a confirmed death toll of 37 individuals. This catastrophic event occurred on March 4, 2024, while students were gathered for prayers. Rescuers have been tirelessly working to recover victims from the rubble, with a total of 141 people recovered by Sunday morning, according to the national search and rescue agency’s operations director, Yudhi Bramantyo.

Bramantyo’s statement revealed that of those recovered, 104 were in safe condition, while the number of confirmed fatalities has now reached 37. Tragically, this figure includes body parts discovered in the debris, adding to the distress of the families involved. As of now, 26 individuals remain unaccounted for, intensifying the urgency of ongoing rescue efforts.

Rescue Operations and Challenges

During a press conference, Budi Irawan, an official from the national disaster agency, indicated that approximately 60 percent of the recovery operation has been completed, with hopes of finalizing the search soon. “Our hope is that by tomorrow everything will be levelled and we can determine the approximate number of victims who are in the rubble,” Irawan stated during a livestreamed update.

Rescue operations faced significant challenges, particularly in certain sections of the collapsed building where movement could jeopardize stability in other areas. Following the critical 72-hour “golden period” for potential survival, families of the missing individuals agreed to allow the use of heavy machinery in the recovery efforts. This decision reflects both the urgency of the situation and the hope for further discoveries.

Investigation into the Collapse

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that it may be linked to construction defects and inadequate maintenance. Police have noted that the section of the building that collapsed was reportedly undergoing unauthorized expansion at the time.

While the male students aged 12 to 17 years old were among the victims, female students in a different area managed to escape without injury. The community is grappling with the loss, and families are left searching for answers in the aftermath of this devastating disaster.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of rescuers while striving to bring closure to the families affected by this tragedy. The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as more information emerges from the site.