Bogor, West Java (ANTARA) -



Over 50 people were injured and 3 others died after a gathering hall packed with Muslims commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid) in Bogor District, West Java, collapsed on Sunday morning.

Bogor District Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) official Adam Hamdani reported that at least 54 victims were injured, and they have received medical care at hospitals and public health centres.

"The victims have been evacuated to nearby hospitals, and the rescue team is still clearing the area of debris," Hamdani stated on Sunday.

The official disclosed that the three fatalities were all female, identified as Irni Susanti, Wulan, and Nurhayati. They were evacuated to different hospitals.

Most of the casualties came from Sukamakmur, Sukaharja, and Sukaluyu villages, he added.

Hamdani said that the disaster occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. amid the Mawlid procession at the Asobiyah majlis (gathering) hall in Sukamakmur Village, Ciomas Sub-district, Bogor, attended by hundreds of people.

The structural failure of the two-storey building, which collapsed onto the victims, is suspected to have been caused by the building’s dilapidated condition and the large number of participants at the gathering, he said

Meanwhile, Bogor District Military Commander Lieutenant Colonel Henggar Tri Wahono stated that the joint rescue team promptly started its rescue operation after the building collapsed.

As of Sunday afternoon, the rescue team continues with their work to ensure that no more victims remain under the collapsed structure.

"The victims require medical attention after suffering injuries to their heads, hands, and feet. We are praying so that the victims will not increase," he said.

The joint rescue team comprise officers from the military, the BPBD, the fire brigade, and the local authority, he added.

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