A collapsed Indonesian boarding school, built illegally, killed five and trapped dozens, with rescuers using heavy machinery after days of searching.

Rescuers in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, have begun using heavy machinery to clear debris from a collapsed Islamic boarding school building after three days of search efforts, as hopes of finding survivors diminish. The two-story structure, under unauthorized expansion, likely collapsed due to weak foundations during construction, trapping nearly 60 teenage boys aged 12 to 19 in the prayer hall. Five students were rescued using hand tools, five deaths confirmed, and over 100 injured, many with serious injuries. Female students in another section escaped unharmed. Authorities, including government minister Pratikno and disaster agency head Suharyanto, stressed caution despite no further signs of life, with the exact number of missing uncertain. Families remain at the site, some sleeping on provided mattresses, clinging to hope. The incident underscores concerns over unpermitted construction and safety oversight.