Rescuers say there are “no signs of life” under the wreckage of a collapsed Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, where at least 59 people remain missing.

The two-storey structure, which was under construction when it caved in on Monday, trapped hundreds of students inside. Most of the victims were teenage boys. Officials confirmed that at least five students have died and around 100 others sustained injuries.

Since rescue operations began, 13 people have been pulled from the debris, though two later died in hospital. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNBP) said efforts have been complicated by the unstable remains of the building.

On Thursday, BNBP head Lt. Gen. Suharyanto told reporters that rescuers using thermal drones and other detection equipment had failed to find any sign of survivors.
“Last night we even cleared the area to ensure silence. With sophisticated tools, we hoped to detect life, but scientifically, no signs were found,” he said.

Rescue teams will now move to the next phase, deploying heavy machinery to shift large concrete slabs. Until now, authorities had avoided using cranes and cutters for fear of triggering further collapse.

Just a day earlier, officials reported hearing cries and shouts from beneath the rubble. Families waiting outside the site remain distraught but hopeful.
“I am hoping for the best news, that my brother survives,” said Maulana Bayu Rizky Pratama, whose 17-year-old brother is still missing.

Another parent, Ahmad Ikhsan, 52, told Reuters: “I believe my son is still alive.”

Authorities said the collapse occurred as additional floors were being added to the school without proper permits. The building’s foundation was unable to withstand the extra weight.

At least 30 ambulances have been stationed near the site, while cranes and excavators continue to remove debris. Photos from the disaster agency showed rescuers digging tunnels through the rubble, calling out students’ names and scanning for movement, but with no success.

The death toll, which stood at five on Wednesday, is expected to rise as search efforts continue.

— With inputs from BBC and Reuters