Multiple injuries have been reported following explosions at a school in Indonesia during Friday prayers. The incident occurred in the Kelapa Gading neighborhood of Jakarta earlier today. Three individuals are in critical condition, with a 17-year-old identified as the suspected perpetrator. Approximately 17 other students are currently hospitalized after the explosions.
Authorities from the Indonesian Police bomb squad are conducting investigations at the school’s mosque where the explosions took place. Witnesses mentioned hearing two loud blasts shortly after midday, coinciding with the start of the sermon at the religious site.
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police is actively looking into the suspect’s background and potential motives behind the incident that shook Kelapa Gading. Some victims have been treated and discharged, as per local media reports.
Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that the 17-year-old suspect is undergoing surgery, without providing further details. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit confirmed that the suspect is one of two students undergoing surgery due to serious injuries sustained in the explosions.
Sigit mentioned that investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s identity and living environment. They are also examining the weapon used in the attack, described as a toy submachine gun with specific markings inscribed on it.
Most of the injuries among the victims were caused by glass shards and burns. The exact cause of the explosions remains unknown, but they originated near the mosque’s loudspeaker, according to Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri. The injured individuals were promptly taken to nearby hospitals, with 20 students still receiving medical care, three of whom are in critical condition.