An Islamic boarding school in Indonesia’s East Java collapsed on Monday, leaving the building in ruins. Rescue teams are racing to locate dozens of students who remain missing, with at least three reported dead.
The collapse occurred in Sidoarjo, a city roughly 480 miles east of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta.
The school was undergoing renovations to add two extra stories, which The Associated Press reports were not authorized. The collapse buried students under a heavy layer of debris and concrete. Officials say at least 100 people have suffered injuries, including broken bones and head trauma, while around 90 students remain missing.
The boys who were inside the collapsing building ranged from 12 to 18 years old, spanning grades seven through 12. Survivors said the female students had been in another part of the school and were able to get out safely.
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Rescue efforts underway
The country’s National Search and Rescue Agency has deployed 300 personnel to recover those still trapped. On Wednesday, rescuers pulled a boy from the rubble, and authorities said at least six more children are believed to be alive.
Rescuers were on the scene, sending oxygen, water and food through small cracks in the rubble. Instead of heavy machinery that could worsen the damage, they’ve used smaller tools to break through the concrete and debris.
Thermal drones and advanced sensors are scanning the debris, hoping to pinpoint anyone still alive.
Earthquake complications
According to Reuters, search and rescue officials stated that the 6.5 magnitude earthquake is complicating their efforts by reducing the available space to maneuver through the debris.
“If the space was initially 50 cm (20 inches) high, it caved in to 10 cm (4 inches), and we fear it impacts the constriction of the victims,” said Mohammad Syafii, the chief of the search and rescue agency.
