Dozens Injured in Mosque Explosion at Jakarta School, Cause Under Investigation
North Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri said during a televised press conference that the blast occurred at the mosque of State Senior High School 72 (SMA Negeri 72) around 12:30 p.m. local time (0530 GMT).
He noted that, based on initial reports, 54 individuals were affected, with some suffering minor and moderate injuries, while others had already been discharged.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion. Suheri said multiple possibilities were being examined. Citing police sources, the Jakarta Globe reported that investigators were considering factors such as an electrical short circuit, a malfunctioning electronic device, or a homemade explosive.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes following the blast. According to the Jakarta Globe, the explosion appeared to come from the back section of the mosque’s main hall, sending worshippers running for safety.
Read More:
Many victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries from shattered glass and the shockwave.
“The sermon had just started when we heard a loud blast,” said Budi Laksono, a mathematics teacher who was inside the mosque at the time. “Smoke quickly filled the room. The students ran out—some were crying, others fell in panic.”
Police and emergency teams have cordoned off the area as investigators continue to gather evidence to determine what triggered the explosion.
Source: Agencies
