In Sidulho, Indonesia, rescuers are urgently searching for victims following the collapse of an Islamic boarding school during afternoon prayers. Initially, 90 students were unaccounted for, with three confirmed dead and about 100 injured. The building, which had undergone unauthorized expansions, fell in a disaster that is time-sensitive, as survival chances decrease significantly after the first 24 hours.
Rescue teams, including over 300 workers, are using thermal drones and detectors to locate potential survivors, while sending oxygen, water, and food through narrow gaps to those trapped. On Wednesday, a boy was rescued alive, although his condition remains unclear. Challenges remain due to the unstable debris and heavy concrete slabs.
Authorities reported that the structure collapsed due to an inadequate foundation, compounded by the added weight of two unauthorized floors. Initial estimates of missing persons fluctuated as officials confirmed details with families and school attendance records. The majority of trapped students were boys, while female students escaped safely to another part of the building.
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