Tragic Collapse: Alarming Death Toll at Indonesian Boarding School

The tragic collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, has claimed the lives of at least 50 people, according to rescue authorities. Most of the victims were teenage boys, with the disaster standing as the deadliest incident in the country this year. Rescuers have cleared 80% of the debris, finding numerous bodies and body parts.

In a press statement, Budi Irawan from the disaster mitigation agency reported that they expect to conclude their search for the remaining 13 trapped victims by the end of Monday. The collapse has become the greatest building-related tragedy in Indonesia for the year 2025, surpassing previous death tolls from other disasters, both natural and man-made.

Investigations have linked the collapse to construction work on the upper floors that the building's foundations couldn't support. A significant issue has emerged with building permits, as out of 42,000 pesantren schools in Indonesia, only 50 possess the necessary permits. The status of Al Khoziny's building permit remains unconfirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)