The death toll resulting from a tragic school collapse in Indonesia has climbed to 63, officials confirmed as recovery efforts continue to retrieve more victims from the wreckage of the building that gave way last week. The incident occurred at a multi-story Islamic boarding school on Java island during afternoon prayers with over 150 students present. While the majority of individuals have been accounted for, approximately six students remain missing.
“We aim to complete the recovery process today (Monday) and facilitate the return of the deceased to their families,” stated Yudhi Bramantyo, the operations director of the National Search and Rescue Agency during a press briefing held on Monday. The collapse ranks as the most fatal disaster in Indonesia this year, as noted by Budi Irawan, the deputy head of the national disaster agency.
Authorities are currently investigating the root cause of the structural failure, with initial assessments pointing towards potential issues related to substandard construction practices, as highlighted by experts in the field. Following the conclusion of the critical 72-hour “golden period” for potential rescues, families of the missing individuals granted permission last Thursday for the utilization of heavy machinery in the ongoing search and recovery operations.