Sidoarjo, E. Java. Rescuers in East Java on Tuesday are racing to free dozens of students still trapped under the rubble of a collapsed prayer hall at Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school, where 38 people remain missing after the structure gave way during afternoon prayers.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said 102 people had been evacuated since the collapse, including 91 who managed to escape on their own and 11 assisted by search and rescue teams. One of the rescued victims later died.

At least 77 injured students have been taken to hospitals in Sidoarjo, with most treated for fractures and head injuries. Authorities identified one of the fatalities as 13-year-old Maulana Alfian Ibrahim, who has since been buried in his hometown of Bangkalan, Madura.

Rescue teams from the national search and rescue agency (Basarnas) made contact with one student who is still alive beneath the rubble. “The team has reached his hand but cannot pull him out due to limited space. We are providing oxygen, water, and food until conditions are safe for evacuation,” said Surabaya SAR chief Nanang Sigit.

The operation has been slow and perilous, as the partially collapsed structure remains unstable, preventing full use of heavy equipment. Basarnas confirmed at least three deaths from the disaster, which struck on Monday afternoon when hundreds of students were gathered for prayers in the prayer hall.

BNPB officials said the collapse was likely triggered by fresh concrete poured earlier in the day for a planned fourth floor, which the building’s foundation could not support.

“The building had just undergone roof casting for expansion,” said Al Khoziny School head Raden Abdus Salam Mujib. “We suspect the structure was unable to bear the weight.”

BNPB spokesman Abdul Muhari called the incident a “technological failure disaster” and urged stricter oversight of school construction in Indonesia. “Multi-story buildings used for education and housing must comply with safety standards to prevent similar tragedies,” he said.

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