Rescue teams are working diligently to locate numerous students who are believed to still be trapped beneath the wreckage of a collapsed school in East Java, Indonesia. The death toll has climbed to six individuals following the unfortunate incident on Monday, as confirmed by Yudhi Bramantyo, the deputy chief of operations at the National Search and Rescue Agency.
Five survivors were successfully rescued after a tunnel was excavated at the building’s base to reach their location. Bramantyo mentioned that the rescued individuals are in relatively stable condition and have been provided with food and water since being discovered.
The school, an Islamic boarding school, collapsed during afternoon prayers on Monday. It was reported that the building was undergoing unauthorized construction to add two additional floors, which contributed to the structural failure.
Over 300 workers are tirelessly working at the site to rescue those still alive and trapped under the debris. Mohammad Syafii, the head of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, expressed hope in completing the operation swiftly to save as many lives as possible.
Despite the challenging conditions of the unstable structure, rescuers are making efforts to reach the remaining survivors. Heavy equipment is being cautiously used to prevent further collapse, while oxygen, water, and food supplies are being provided to sustain those still trapped.
Rescuers managed to extract one boy alive on Wednesday, and he was promptly taken to a hospital for medical attention. Among the injured individuals, 26 remain hospitalized with various injuries, including head trauma and fractures.
The search for survivors is ongoing with the aid of detectors and thermal drones to identify any potential individuals still alive. Authorities are working diligently to navigate the unstable conditions and ensure the safety of those trapped in the collapsed building.
