At Least 91 Students Remain Trapped in Rubble 2 Days After Boarding School Collapse: ‘Every Second Counts’

91 Students Trapped in Building Collapse in Indonesia

In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, 91 students are currently trapped in the rubble following the collapse of the Al Khoziny boarding school in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. The disaster occurred on Monday, Sept. 29, when the building unexpectedly caved in, burying numerous individuals under the debris. The Indonesian National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) has mobilised rescue efforts, but the situation remains critical as every second passes with the students still unaccounted for.

The Al Khoziny school collapse has prompted a nationwide emergency response, with authorities scrambling to locate and rescue the trapped students. According to reports from the BNPB, the building collapsed during unauthorised construction works, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, including a 13-year-old boy. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the urgent plea from the BNPB, stating that “every second counts” in the race against time to save the trapped students.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly since the collapse to clear the rubble and locate survivors. As of Wednesday, Oct 1, at least six children have been found alive amidst the destruction, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation. The BNPB, along with other agencies such as Basarnas and the Indonesian National Armed Forces, are collaborating in a coordinated effort to expedite the rescue operation and bring relief to the victims and their families.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many grappling with the harsh reality of the situation. Families of the victims anxiously await news of their loved ones, as the search and rescue teams tirelessly comb through the debris in search of signs of life. The collaborative efforts of the emergency response teams highlight the unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of adversity.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims and their families, offering support and solidarity during this challenging time. The nation mourns the loss of lives and stands united in solidarity with the affected individuals, rallying behind the rescue efforts and providing assistance wherever possible. As the rescue operation continues, the focus remains on saving as many lives as possible and ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted by the tragedy.

The collapse of the Al Khoziny boarding school serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of stringent safety measures in construction and infrastructure projects. The incident has sparked calls for greater oversight and enforcement of building regulations to prevent similar catastrophes in the future. The community has come together in a show of support and resilience, demonstrating the strength and unity in times of crisis.

As the search and rescue efforts persist, the nation remains in a state of mourning for the lives lost and in hopeful anticipation for the safe recovery of the trapped students. The resilience and determination of the rescue teams epitomise the unwavering spirit of solidarity and compassion in the face of adversity. The tragedy has brought to light the importance of preparedness and swift action in responding to emergencies, underscoring the need for proactive measures to prevent such disasters from occurring again.