Indonesia Ends Search Operations at Collapsed School… Death Toll Rises to 67
Indonesian authorities announced today the conclusion of search and rescue operations at the Al-Khazini School site in Java, where a portion of the building collapsed a week ago, resulting in 67 deaths and 104 survivors out of 171 individuals retrieved from the rubble, according to Yudhi Bramantyo, director of operations at the National Search and Rescue Agency.
Mohammad Siyafi, an agency official, stated during a press conference: “After nine days of intensive efforts, we have concluded the search and rescue phase and the complete removal of the collapsed building’s remnants.” The previous death toll stood at 63, while it remains unclear if any additional victims are missing.
According to the Indonesian police, the identities of 17 victims have been confirmed so far, as investigations continue to determine the technical causes of the building’s collapse. Preliminary data suggests that construction work did not adhere to safety standards, as the building collapsed during the pouring of concrete for a new floor above a structure ill-equipped to bear the additional weight.
This incident marks the deadliest occurrence in Indonesia since the beginning of the year, reigniting concerns over lax oversight of construction projects in the country, where similar accidents often arise due to insufficient adherence to engineering standards and a lack of thorough inspections at construction sites.
