One dead and at least 65 students are feared trapped under the rubble of an Islamic school building that collapsed in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. The incident occurred during afternoon prayers when the structure, which was undergoing unauthorized renovations, suddenly gave way.

Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene to search for survivors. So far, the body of one victim has been recovered, and rescuers are concerned that the death toll may increase. Most of the trapped students are male, as female students were in a separate area and managed to escape unharmed.

In total, 99 injured students have been taken to hospitals, many suffering from head injuries and broken bones. Local residents, teachers, and school administrators have been assisting in the rescue efforts.

Nanang Sigit, who is leading the rescue operation, noted that heavy concrete slabs and unstable debris are complicating the search. Hundreds of rescuers equipped with medical evacuation tools are working tirelessly to find any remaining survivors.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse. A police spokesperson revealed that the building, originally a two-story prayer hall, had been improperly expanded to four stories without the necessary permits. Families of the students are anxiously waiting for news at nearby hospitals and the site of the collapse, expressing their distress as they witness the rescue efforts unfold.