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The death toll from the collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, has risen to 54, with at least 13 individuals still missing, according to authorities.
The incident, which occurred during afternoon prayers, has become the deadliest disaster in Indonesia so far this year.
The collapse occurred on Oct. 5, while students were gathered for afternoon prayers in the ground-floor prayer room.
Investigations revealed that the building was undergoing unpermitted construction, with two additional stories being added to the original two-story structure.
Experts suggest that the added weight from freshly poured concrete may have caused the structural failure.
National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Operations Director Yudhi Bramantyo confirmed that 54 bodies, including five body parts, have been recovered, and 49 victims have been formally identified.
Rescue personnel continue to work around the clock, focusing on areas where survivors may still be trapped.
Heavy machinery was employed with the consent of the families after the 72-hour “golden period” for optimal survival had passed.
Bramantyo emphasized the urgency of completing the recovery and returning the victims to their families.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the building had been undergoing unpermitted construction, with two additional stories added to the original two-story structure.
Experts suggest that the added weight of freshly poured concrete may have contributed to the collapse.
Authorities are also examining potential negligence and lapses in construction standards.
Past incidents, including a September collapse of a building hosting a prayer recital in West Java that resulted in three fatalities, highlight recurring concerns regarding adherence to construction regulations.
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