🔗 Share this article Tragedy Deepens as Indonesia Educational Institution Collapse Death Toll Increases to 54 News Agency Numerous adolescent males had assembled for prayers at the Islamic boarding school in Eastern Java when it gave way last Monday The number of fatalities from the structural failure of an educational facility in Indonesia has escalated to 54, as confirmed by officials, with rescue teams continuing their search for over twelve missing individuals. Hundreds students, primarily adolescent males, had gathered for religious services at the Islamic boarding school in East Java when the structure gave way while undergoing construction. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency characterizes this as the nation's deadliest disaster this year. Rescue personnel are expected to conclude their search operation for thirteen individuals ensnared beneath the rubble by evening. Probe Underway into Structural Failure Investigators are still examining the reason behind the structural failure. Some officials indicated the two-level structure collapsed due to an inadequate base. "Out of all the catastrophes in 2025, natural or not, there hasn't been as numerous fatalities as the incident in Sidoarjo," stated a representative from the disaster mitigation agency during a press conference. The total count includes at least two individuals who were rescued from the debris but later died in hospital. Institutional Context and Regulatory Concerns The facility is a traditional religious educational center in Indonesia, commonly known as a pesantren. Many pesantren function informally, lacking strong regulation or consistent monitoring. It remains unclear whether the institution had proper authorization to undertake building modifications. Operational Difficulties Emergency response efforts have faced difficulties due to the way the structure collapsed, leaving only tight spaces for rescuers to maneuver within, authorities reported previously. Eyewitness Reports Survivors have recounted their terrifying escape experiences with regional news outlets. One 13-year-old eyewitness described first "hearing the noise of falling rocks", which "grew louder and louder". The adolescent immediately ran for the exit, and while he managed to escape, he was injured by falling debris from the roof.