🔗 Share this article Tragedy Worsens as Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Increases to 54 Media Source Numerous adolescent males had assembled for prayers at the religious educational institution in East Java when it collapsed last Monday The number of fatalities from the structural failure of an Indonesian school has climbed to 54, as confirmed by officials, with rescue teams continuing their search for over twelve missing individuals. Numerous students, mostly teenage boys, had assembled for religious services at the Islamic boarding school in Eastern Java when the structure gave way while being renovated. The country's emergency management authority characterizes this as the nation's most fatal catastrophe in 2025. Emergency workers are expected to conclude their rescue mission for 13 victims ensnared beneath the rubble by evening. Probe Underway into Structural Failure Investigators are continuing to probe the reason behind the collapse. Certain authorities suggested the two-level structure collapsed due to an inadequate base. "Out of all the catastrophes in 2025, whether natural or man-made, there has not occurred as many dead victims as the incident in Sidoarjo," declared a deputy from the disaster mitigation agency during a media briefing. The overall number encompasses at least two individuals who were rescued from the debris but subsequently died in medical care. Institutional Context and Oversight Issues The facility is a conventional religious educational center in Indonesia, referred to as a pesantren. Numerous Islamic schools operate informally, without comprehensive oversight or regular inspections. It remains uncertain whether the school had proper authorization to undertake additional construction. Operational Difficulties Search and rescue operations have proven challenging due to the manner the structure fell, creating narrow voids for emergency personnel to maneuver within, authorities reported previously. Eyewitness Reports Survivors have shared their harrowing survival stories with local media. One 13-year-old survivor recalled first "noticing the noise of falling rocks", which "grew louder and more intense". The young person immediately ran for the doorway, and while he successfully got out, he was wounded by collapsing materials from the ceiling.