Islamic Boarding School Collapse in East Java Kills Three, Dozens Trapped

A building collapse at Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, during afternoon prayers has resulted in at least three deaths and numerous injuries, with over 60 students still trapped under rubble. The two-story prayer hall had been illegally expanded with additional floors that the foundation could not support, leading to the catastrophic failure. Rescue operations involving hundreds of personnel have been ongoing, with eight survivors pulled from the debris and oxygen and water supplied to those trapped, though unstable conditions have prevented the use of heavy machinery. Families gathered anxiously at hospitals and the disaster site as authorities continue to search for an estimated 38 to 65 missing students, predominantly boys aged 12 to 17. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about lax construction standards and enforcement in Indonesia, with investigations underway to determine the full cause and prevent future incidents. This collapse follows a recent similar event in West Java, highlighting a broader pattern of building safety issues in the country.