Select Language:
The death toll from the school building collapse in Indonesia has increased to 17, with rescue teams working tirelessly to recover more victims believed to still be trapped beneath the wreckage. The incident occurred on Monday when a section of a multi-story boarding school suddenly collapsed during afternoon prayers.
Rescue operations led to the retrieval of two bodies and a body part on Saturday, raising the death count. An official from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) stated that the ongoing evacuation is focused on debris removal on the north side, an area not connected to the main structure. The local rescue chief confirmed the updated fatality figure.
Earlier, authorities announced they had recovered nine bodies on Friday. Currently, 49 individuals remain unaccounted for, according to the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). The agency chief emphasized that more victims might be discovered as rescue efforts continue, especially with heavy machinery being brought in to clear areas where people are presumed buried.
The collapse was so forceful that it caused tremors felt throughout the neighborhood. Initial investigations suggest that poor construction practices may have contributed to the tragedy. The rescue process is complicated by the potential for further vibrations affecting unstable sections of the wreckage.
Rescuers agreed on Thursday to use heavy equipment after the critical 72-hour window for potential survivors had passed. The operation was briefly halted overnight on Tuesday due to an earthquake.
Local residents reported that the collapse was so violent it caused tremors across the vicinity. Experts suspect that substandard building materials and construction flaws played a role in the disaster. The complex rescue effort is further hindered by the risk that vibrations might destabilize remaining parts of the structure.
Families of the missing have approved the continued use of heavy machinery in hopes of finding survivors and recovering remains. The incident has garnered significant attention, with heavy equipment and rescue teams working in difficult conditions amid ongoing challenges from aftershocks and unstable debris.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
