(MENAFN) The death toll from the catastrophic collapse of a school building in Indonesia's East Java province has climbed to 37, officials confirmed Sunday.

Nanang Sigit, head of the East Java Search and Rescue Office, reported in an official statement that recovery efforts remain difficult, with victims trapped beneath layers of debris.

“About 25 people remain missing, and the death toll is expected to rise,” he warned.

The tragedy struck the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School, a multi-storey facility in Sidoarjo district, which partially gave way Monday amid unauthorized renovation work. The collapse ensnared dozens of students inside.

Rescuers initially conducted manual digging to avoid further structural damage, but after no signs of life were detected by Thursday, heavy machinery was introduced to accelerate the search.

The rescue operation continues under grim circumstances as hopes for additional survivors fade.

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