Inp.polri.go.id - Sidoarjo. East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Nanang Avianto said on Friday (3/10/2025) that authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse of a prayer hall at Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, which left dozens missing. 

The incident occurred on Monday, when the building suddenly gave way during construction activities.

“This investigation must be comprehensive. We have documented the collapse and will involve construction experts from ITS and the Ministry of Public Works to assess the structure. The priority remains humanitarian efforts,” Chief Nanang told reporters during an inspection, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Police said 53 to 58 people remain unaccounted for, with victims categorized into three groups: students, school staff, and construction workers. At least five more bodies have been recovered and taken to Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya for biometric and DNA identification. Rescue operations continue, with police, military, Basarnas, firefighters, and volunteers carefully clearing debris while searching for survivors and victims.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)