Explosion at Jakarta School Mosque Injures Over 50 People

An explosion at a mosque within a school complex in Jakarta injured at least 54 people, with several sustaining burns. Authorities have not yet determined the cause, and a bomb squad is investigating. The blast comes weeks after a deadly school building collapse in Indonesia.

Dozens of people were hospitalized on Friday after a powerful explosion rocked a mosque located within a school complex in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, according to police reports. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as worshippers and students rushed for safety following the blast, which tore through the mosque during what was believed to be a routine prayer gathering.

Local police chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that at least 54 people were injured in the incident. “Some have minor injuries, some moderate, and some have already been discharged,” Asep said, noting that several of the victims sustained burns and were receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, transporting the injured by ambulance while firefighters worked to secure the area.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion, which occurred in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta. The area was swiftly cordoned off by police, who began processing the site for evidence. “We are still investigating, as this incident just occurred,” Asep added. A bomb squad was deployed to assist with determining whether the explosion was accidental or the result of foul play, and investigators were seen collecting debris from the mosque.

In response to the blast, two hospitals in the area have been designated to help relatives locate their loved ones who may have been injured. Families gathered outside the hospital gates, anxiously waiting for news as medical teams worked to stabilize victims.

The incident has shocked the local community and raised questions about safety measures in school complexes that include places of worship. It comes only weeks after a building at an Islamic boarding school collapsed, killing at least 60 people. That earlier tragedy had already sparked discussions about building safety and inspection standards across Indonesia’s educational institutions.

As investigators continue to examine the mosque explosion, residents of Jakarta are left grappling with fear and uncertainty, hoping for clarity on what led to the devastating event.