School Building Collapse in Indonesia: One Confirmed Dead, Search Underway for 65 Students Feared Buried

A devastating event occurred at an Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia on Monday, September 29, 2025. An under-construction building at the school collapsed, resulting in the death of at least one student and injuries to at least 65 others. The incident transpired while dozens of students were praying. Rescue teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and extract those trapped. During overnight rescue operations, eight vulnerable students were successfully pulled from the concrete debris. Authorities are preparing for a possible increase in fatalities, with several bodies still believed to be trapped. Families of the students have congregated at local hospitals, awaiting updates on the ongoing rescue efforts and the condition of the injured. The affected students, predominantly boys, are enrolled in classes 7 to 11, ranging in age from 12 to 17. According to initial reports, the students were in the process of afternoon prayers in a building that was actively under construction when the structure gave way. Fortunately, female students were praying in a different section of the building and were able to evacuate safely. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse.