Wall Collapse During Independence Day Event in Sleman Injures 10 Residents

Festivities turned to panic in Minomartani Housing Complex, Ngaglik, Sleman, on Sunday morning when a school perimeter wall suddenly collapsed onto resting participants of a community event. The incident occurred during a healthy walk and exercise session organised by RW 02 to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

According to the Sleman Police Public Relations Head, Iptu Argo Anggoro, the victims were sitting and resting near the wall when it gave way. ‘The wall collapsed and fell on the residents who were in the vicinity. The incident resulted in injuries to 10 residents,’ he stated. The victims included seven women, identified by the initials AS, S (64), KM (70), ADS (34), SL (40), FN (30), and BR (28), and three men, AN (31), L (the child of SL), and LSAF (34). All were immediately evacuated to nearby health facilities for emergency treatment.

Six victims received initial treatment at Condongcatur Hospital, two at Hermina Hospital, and two at UAD Hospital, with several later referred for further care. A crime scene investigation revealed that the 1.5-metre-high and 20-metre-long brick and cement wall, believed to have been built in the 1980s, lacked a proper foundation and adequate iron supports. Authorities confirmed no one was leaning on or touching the wall at the time of the collapse, and the exact cause remains under investigation.

The Head of the Sleman Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Bambang Kuntoro, noted that the event was attended by approximately 170 to 200 residents. He explained that the shaded area near the wall was a popular resting spot, which contributed to the high number of casualties. ‘Many were sitting there because it was shady. The evacuation was quick, assisted by the community, and we only waited about 15 to 20 minutes for the ambulances,’ he said. Bambang confirmed that the local government would cover all medical expenses for the victims, particularly for those without BPJS health insurance.