Jakarta Mosque Explosions Inside School Complex Leave 54 Injured, Mostly Students
Key Takeaways:
- At least 54 people, mostly students, injured in mosque explosions during Friday prayers
- Incident occurred at SMA 27 high school within navy compound in Kelapa Gading
- Police investigation ongoing, bomb squad deployed to examine scene
- 20 students remain hospitalized, including three with severe injuries
Multiple explosions rocked a mosque inside a high school complex during Friday prayers in Jakarta, leaving 54 people injured – most of them students. The blasts struck SMA 27, a state high school located within a navy compound in the capital’s Kelapa Gading area.
Panic and Injuries at School Mosque
Witnesses reported hearing at least two loud blasts around midday as the sermon had just begun. Panic erupted as smoke filled the mosque, sending worshippers rushing outside. Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed most injuries resulted from flying glass shards, with cases ranging from minor to serious.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Police immediately cordoned off the school and deployed a bomb squad to examine the scene. “We are still investigating, as this incident just occurred,” Asep told reporters. He confirmed 20 students remain hospitalized, including three with severe injuries, while others have been discharged after treatment.
Authorities established help desks at two hospitals to assist families searching for injured relatives. Local media reported ambulances lining up outside the school complex with police tape sealing off the area. Social media images indicated the mosque suffered no major structural damage.
Police Urge Patience During Investigation
Asep emphasized the investigation remains in early stages. “The initial data we have received indicates that about 54 people were affected. Some sustained minor injuries, some moderate, and some have already been discharged,” he stated.
When questioned about the blast cause, the police chief urged public patience, adding, “Let the authorities work first. We will convey whatever the results are to the public once the investigation is completed.”
Police have not yet determined whether the explosions were accidental or deliberate. The area remains sealed as forensic teams continue evidence collection.
