The death toll in Indonesia from a school collapse has risen to 45, announced officials, following the retrieval of more victims from the debris. A section of the multi-story building on Java Island collapsed unexpectedly during afternoon prayers, with rescuers recovering an additional 19 victims on Sunday, as stated by Yudhi Bramantyo, the National Search and Rescue Agency’s operations director.
Yudhi updated reporters on Sunday, indicating that a total of 149 individuals had been evacuated, with 45 confirmed dead, 104 survivors, and the inclusion of various body parts. Nanang Sigit, the local search and rescue agency’s head, also confirmed the same death toll. Prior to the latest discoveries on Sunday, Yudhi had mentioned that at least 26 people were still unaccounted for.
Efforts continued non-stop at the Islamic boarding school site, with Yudhi expressing determination to persist in the rescue operations until all victims were accounted for. He anticipated that authorities would clear the rubble by Tuesday. While investigations into the collapse’s cause were ongoing, initial assessments suggested substandard construction practices were a contributing factor, according to experts.