Indonesian authorities are investigating a tragic rock collapse at the Gunung Kuda quarry in West Java that occurred on Friday. The incident has resulted in at least 17 deaths, with six people, including the quarry owner, being questioned by police as part of the investigation.
Rescue teams have worked tirelessly to find survivors in the rubble. So far, a dozen people have been rescued, but unfortunately, one of those survivors later died in the hospital. Local police chief Sumarni reported that rescuers have recovered 16 bodies. There are still eight individuals unaccounted for and believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
The search efforts have faced significant challenges, including bad weather, unstable soil, and difficult terrain. Emergency personnel, along with police and military volunteers, have been seen digging through the wreckage at the site, which lies at the base of a steep limestone cliff.
West Java’s governor, Dedi Mulyadi, has ordered the closure of the Gunung Kuda quarry and four other similar sites in the area, highlighting concerns over safety in informal mining operations. Such illegal mines are prevalent in Indonesia and often pose risks of landslides and other accidents.
This incident is not isolated; last year, a landslide at an unauthorized gold mining site on Sumatra island claimed at least 15 lives. The frequency of such disasters raises serious questions about the regulation and safety of mining operations in Indonesia. As the search continues, the community is left to mourn those lost while hoping for the safe return of those still missing.