By Manisha Sahu, America News World
September 30, 2025
Sidoarjo, East Java – A tragic accident struck an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia on Monday when an under-construction building collapsed during afternoon prayers, killing at least one student and injuring nearly 100 others. Officials warn that the death toll could rise as rescuers continue to sift through the rubble.
The collapse occurred at the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in the town of Sidoarjo, East Java province, as dozens of male students gathered inside for afternoon prayers. Without warning, the structure crumbled, trapping many inside and burying them under heavy concrete slabs.
Police, soldiers, and rescue workers rushed to the scene and immediately began digging through the debris. Over the course of an eight-hour operation, emergency teams managed to pull out eight survivors from beneath the wreckage, many of them weak and severely injured.
Authorities confirmed that at least one male student had died, while 99 others sustained injuries, with several reported to be in critical condition. Survivors recounted moments of panic and confusion as the building gave way, collapsing on those who had bowed in prayer.
“The operation was very difficult because the debris was heavy, and we had to carefully move it to avoid further injury to anyone who might still be trapped,” one rescue worker told local media.
Unauthorized Expansion Blamed
According to provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast, the collapse appears to have been caused by an unauthorized expansion of the old school building.
“The old building’s foundation was apparently unable to support two floors of concrete and collapsed during the pouring process,” Abast said.
Officials added that construction work had been ongoing despite questions about the building’s safety. The heavy load from additional concrete floors reportedly put enormous pressure on the aging foundation, which failed under stress.
Students who survived the collapse described scenes of chaos. Most of those trapped inside were male students, as female students had been praying in another section of the school and were able to escape when the collapse began.
“We heard a loud cracking sound and then everything fell around us,” said one survivor, speaking from his hospital bed. “It was dark, and I couldn’t breathe. I thought I would die there.”
Several parents rushed to the school after hearing news of the collapse, anxiously waiting outside as rescue teams worked overnight to find survivors.
Rescue teams reported seeing additional bodies beneath the rubble, raising fears that the official death toll could increase. While only one death has been confirmed so far, authorities emphasized that they expect the number to climb as search operations continue.
Emergency medical personnel have been overwhelmed, with dozens of injured students rushed to nearby hospitals. Local officials confirmed that some of the injured remain in critical condition, receiving intensive treatment for fractures, internal injuries, and trauma.
The incident has once again drawn attention to building safety standards in Indonesia, particularly in educational and religious institutions. Experts have long warned about the dangers of poorly regulated construction projects in the country, where rapid development often outpaces oversight.
Unauthorized expansions and the use of substandard materials have contributed to several deadly accidents in recent years. Monday’s collapse highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of construction safety laws and greater accountability for those responsible.
Local authorities in East Java have promised a full investigation into the incident. Police are expected to question contractors and school administrators to determine who authorized the expansion and whether safety protocols were ignored.
“We will hold accountable anyone who is responsible for negligence that led to this tragedy,” Abast said.
The Indonesian government has also pledged support for the victims and their families, while promising tighter monitoring of construction in schools and other public facilities.
The collapse has left the community in deep grief. The Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School is a respected institution in the region, serving hundreds of students. For many families, it represents not only a place of education but also a center of spiritual and community life.
On Tuesday morning, parents, teachers, and local residents gathered at the school grounds, offering prayers for the victims and expressing solidarity with those still awaiting word on missing loved ones.
“This is a dark day for our community,” said one local elder. “We pray for the children, for their recovery, and for strength for their families.”
As rescue operations continue, questions remain about how the tragedy could have been prevented. For the families of the victims, however, the immediate concern is survival and healing.
While Indonesia has faced natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, Monday’s collapse serves as a reminder that man-made negligence can be equally devastating. Ensuring that schools and places of worship are built safely and responsibly will be critical in preventing future tragedies.
For now, the focus remains on those still trapped beneath the rubble of Al Khoziny School, as rescue teams race against time to save lives.