The heartbreaking collapse of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java has left at least 54 people dead, with rescuers still searching for more than a dozen missing beneath the rubble.

The tragedy struck as hundreds of young students had gathered for afternoon prayers, turning a moment of devotion into one of unimaginable loss.

Many survivors recalled the terrifying sound of crumbling walls before the building gave way, leaving them scrambling for safety.

Authorities say this is Indonesia’s deadliest disaster of the year, underscoring urgent concerns over construction safety and oversight in pesantren schools.

While some victims were pulled alive, several later succumbed to their injuries in hospital, adding to the grief of families.

Rescuers, working under extremely difficult conditions with narrow voids and unstable debris, remain determined to recover the remaining victims and bring closure to grieving families.

The nation mourns this devastating loss of young lives and calls for stronger protections to ensure such a tragedy never repeats.