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At Least 37 Dead in Indonesia School Collapse, Dozens Missing

Rescuers begin using heavy equipment with family approval to accelerate recovery after days of manual digging.

Overview

  • Indonesian media report at least 37 fatalities after additional bodies were recovered, though overall counts differ between outlets.
  • The national disaster agency said 26 more bodies were found over the weekend and listed 26 people as still missing.
  • More than 100 people were injured in the collapse, with eight patients still being treated in hospital, officials said.
  • Families consented to the use of excavators and cranes after the initial 72-hour window, shifting the operation from primarily manual methods.
  • Police say the roughly 100-year-old boarding school had been illegally expanded by two floors and its foundation failed during a cement pour as students gathered for afternoon prayer, trapping many boys aged 12 to 19.