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5h ago

Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Reaches 63 as Search Nears End

Police identify illegal additions as the likely cause.

Rescuers use heavy machines to clear the rubble during the search for victims at a building that collapsed at an Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Trisnadi)
Rescuers gather near the site of a building collapse on Monday, where people remained trapped according to disaster mitigation agency, as the search and rescue operations continue at Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java province, Indonesia, October 2, 2025. REUTERS/Dipta Wahyu
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Overview

  • Officials said workers recovered more remains on Monday, bringing fatalities at Al Khoziny in Sidoarjo, East Java, to at least 63 as heavy equipment cleared most of the rubble.
  • About six students remain unaccounted for, and the search-and-recovery operation is expected to conclude later Monday with bodies returned to families.
  • East Java police have opened a criminal investigation and are consulting construction experts to assess possible negligence by the school’s management.
  • Authorities and experts report that two extra floors were added without permits and that the structure failed under the load during upper-floor construction while students were inside for prayers.
  • The disaster has intensified scrutiny of pesantren safety nationwide, with the public works minister noting that only 50 Islamic boarding schools hold building permits.