Local media quoted an official of the country’s national disaster agency as saying five people have been confirmed dead at the site of an Islamic school building near the city of Surabaya.
Agency officials say attendance records show that about 90 students may be still buried under the debris, but the use of heavy equipment has virtually been ruled out because it could cause further collapse.
Families of the students and others are being accommodated in a facility set up near the disaster site while watching developments unfold.
A man waiting to be reunited with his 16-year-old nephew tearfully expressed hope that the boy will be granted the opportunity to live.
A woman whose 15-year-old grandson remains missing said she is waiting for news, and that she hopes that he is healthy and alive.
Work to add stories to the school building was reportedly underway. Authorities say the foundation of the building may not have been able to support the extra floors being added, causing the structure to give way.
