Rescue operations have concluded in Indonesia's collapsed school building, which claimed 69 lives. Image:
(The Post News)– The rescue efforts for the victims of the collapsed Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, in Indonesia, concluded on Tuesday with the death toll reaching 67.
As over 170 pupils assembled for afternoon prayers on September 29, a portion of the multi-story Islamic boarding school collapsed. In a media briefing, the head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Mohammad Syfii, confirmed that the search and rescue efforts for the victims of the incident had concluded.
According to Yhudhi, 67 individuals died, while 104 survived, and eight body parts were discovered; thus, 171 victims were evacuated. On the other hand, the deputy head of the National Disaster Agency (BNPB), Budi Irawan, echoed the same sentiments, saying that the possibility of finding additional bodies is low. BNPB highlighted that the collapse was the nation’s deadliest incident of the year so far.
72-Hour Golden Period Paved a Way for Heavy Machinery
Rescuers dug tunnels and called out to those who were missing in an attempt to locate survivors. Some notable successes were made, including 13-year-old Selendra Haikal Rakaditya, who was rescued 27 hours after the horrific incident.
On Thursday, after the 72-hour “golden period” for the best survival chance had passed, families of missing victims permitted the usage of heavy machinery to remove debris from the site and search for bodies.
Indonesia Officials Continue to Look Into the Cause
BNPB highlighted that the collapse was the Indonesia’s deadliest incident of the year so far. While only 17 bodies have been identified, investigators continue to look into the cause of the collapse. However, experts have noted that preliminary findings point to the possibility that poor construction played a part in the collapse.
Reports have noted that contractors had been laying concrete on two upper floors of the school for several weeks as part of an unapproved extension. Meanwhile, Indonesia has been faced with growing concerns over the safety of buildings. In September, a building in West Java collapsed while hosting a prayer recital, killing three and injuring several others.
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