The death toll from the collapse of an Indonesian boarding school rose to 17 on Saturday, as rescuers used heavy machinery to search for dozens still feared trapped under the debris.
The multi-storey building gave way on Monday while students were gathering for afternoon prayers.
On Saturday, rescue teams pulled out two more bodies and a body part, bringing the total fatalities to 17, according to National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) operations director Yudhi Bramantyo.
“The evacuation process is still ongoing. Debris removal is focused to the north side in an area not integrated with the main structure,” he said.
Local search and rescue chief Nanang Sigit confirmed the updated figures, while officials earlier reported that nine bodies had been recovered on Friday.
Authorities said 49 people remain missing, with BNPB chief Suharyanto noting that more victims are expected as heavy equipment clears sections where people are thought to be buried.
“After the last victim was found last night, we are focusing on a massive cleanup, with heavy equipment entering the collapsed areas,” he told Kompas TV.
Residents described the collapse as so violent that it shook the surrounding neighbourhood. Initial findings suggest poor construction could be a cause, though investigations are still underway.
The operation remains risky, as movement in one area could destabilize others. Families of the missing agreed to the use of heavy machinery after the 72-hour “golden period” for survival had passed.
Rescue efforts were further delayed by an earthquake on Tuesday night, which forced a temporary pause in the search.