Death toll rises to 40 in Indonesia school collapse; 23 students still missing

A devastating building collapse at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, has resulted in at least 40 confirmed deaths, with 23 students still missing under the rubble.

The incident occurred during afternoon prayers, when a three-story prayer hall collapsed unexpectedly. The collapse is attributed to the failure of the building's foundation during unauthorized construction work, which lacked proper permits and did not meet safety standards.

Rescue operations have been ongoing for several days, with teams using heavy machinery and hand tools to clear debris and search for survivors. Over the weekend, 26 bodies were recovered, bringing the total death toll to 40. Ninety-five students were treated for injuries, and eight remain hospitalized with serious conditions.

The tragedy has sparked national outrage over widespread illegal construction practices, particularly in rural and religious institutions. The school's caretaker, Abdus Salam Mujib, has issued a public apology but has framed the event as a divine occurrence. Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation to determine liability and potential negligence under Indonesia's strict building code laws, which impose penalties of up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines for violations causing death.

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