Indonesia School Building Collapse: Tragedy Strikes as Students Pray, Leaving One Dead and Dozens Feared Trapped

A catastrophic incident unfolded at an Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia on September 29, 2025, where an under-construction building collapsed. The disaster claimed the life of at least one student and left approximately 65 others potentially buried under the rubble. The collapse occurred while numerous students were engaged in prayer. Rescue teams immediately initiated search and rescue operations, providing oxygen and water to those trapped. Efforts throughout the night resulted in the extraction of eight injured students from the debris. Authorities are concerned that the death toll may rise as more bodies are visible within the wreckage. Family members and relatives have gathered at hospitals, anxiously awaiting news of the rescued and injured students. The majority of the injured students are boys, aged between 12 and 17, attending classes 7 through 11. Preliminary investigations suggest the students were conducting afternoon prayers in a building that was under construction when it suddenly collapsed. Female students were reportedly praying in a separate section of the building and managed to escape unharmed. An investigation has commenced to determine the precise cause of the collapse.