What caused the Sidoarjo Islamic school collapse in East Java?

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The collapse of the Sidoarjo Islamic school was attributed to foundational failure.

Rescuers faced a more challenging situation in extricating students from the rubble of an Islamic school in East Java due to an earthquake that authorities feared had compressed the debris. The building's foundations were unable to support the ongoing construction work on its upper levels, leading to the structural failure. This collapse occurred during late afternoon prayers in the mosque on the building's lower floor.
Structural Weakness Due to Construction

Authorities indicated that the building's foundations were insufficient to bear the weight of the upper floors under construction. This fundamental weakness is identified as the primary cause of the collapse. The situation was exacerbated by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the region, further compacting the rubble and reducing the available space for rescue operations.
Impact of the Earthquake on Rescue Efforts

The earthquake, which occurred after the initial collapse, significantly complicated the rescue mission. Officials reported that the seismic activity narrowed the manoeuvre space, making it more difficult and time-consuming for rescuers to reach potential survivors. The reduction in space, from an estimated 50 cm to 10 cm in some areas, raised concerns about the condition of those trapped.
Casualties and Ongoing Operations

Three individuals died as a result of the collapse in Sidoarjo, a town located approximately 780 kilometres east of Jakarta. While 100 people were evacuated and dozens sustained injuries, 91 individuals remained unaccounted for. Despite the challenging conditions, rescuers detected signs of life, which helped to focus their search efforts for survivors.

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What caused the Sidoarjo Islamic school collapse in East Java?

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