East Java, Oct 03 (V7N) – The death toll from the collapse of a multi-storey madrasa building in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, has risen to seven, with at least 100 students injured, authorities reported on Friday.

The tragedy occurred on Monday afternoon while students were preparing for prayers. Many were trapped under the rubble following the sudden collapse. Yudhi Bramantio, operations director of the National Search and Rescue Agency, said that the bodies of two students were recovered on Friday from the area where they performed ablution.

Earlier, 59 people were feared missing, and families anxiously waited for updates from the rescue teams. Experts have said that the collapse may have been caused by poor-quality construction materials, although investigations are ongoing.

Rescue operations were hampered by an earthquake off the coast near the site on Tuesday night, forcing temporary suspension of work. Families of the missing have now allowed the use of heavy equipment, but so far only one crane has been deployed. With more than 72 hours elapsed since the collapse, the chances of finding survivors are considered slim. Preparations are underway to bring in additional equipment to accelerate the rescue efforts.

Authorities continue to work tirelessly to recover victims and provide aid to the injured.

END/SMA/AJ