A routine afternoon of prayer followed by study at an Islamic school turned into a scene of devastation when the three-storey building suddenly collapsed, burying students and teachers under piles of concrete and twisted metal.
As of Sunday, at least 37 people, many of them children, have been confirmed dead, while rescue teams continue an exhaustive search for 26 others still unaccounted for. More than 100 people have been pulled out alive since the incident, but officials admit that the chances of finding more survivors are fading as the critical 72-hour window passes.
Authorities say about 60% of the rubble has been cleared, although large portions remain dangerous to access. With families’ consent, heavy machinery is now being used to expedite recovery work while rescue teams work around the clock.
Preliminary investigations suggest the collapse may have resulted from substandard construction and possible violations of safety standards. The government has pledged a full inquiry into the cause of the disaster.
The local community is gripped by grief and growing anger, with families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. President Joko Widodo has expressed his condolences and called for stronger oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The rescue operation continues amidst prayers and mounting sorrow as West Sumatra mourns one of its deadliest school tragedies.
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