Explosion at Jakarta mosque injures over 50 in Friday prayers

Indonesia: More than 50 people were injured after an explosion occurred inside a mosque in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, during Friday prayers, local police confirmed.

The incident took place at a mosque located within a school complex in the Kelapa Gading area of North Jakarta around midday (04:00 GMT). Witnesses reported hearing two loud blasts just as the Friday sermon began.

According to the international media reports, 54 people, mostly students, were rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe burns. Twenty victims remain hospitalized, including three who are in serious condition.

An anti-bomb squad was deployed to the scene shortly after the explosion. Investigators discovered several toy rifles and a toy gun near the mosque, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether these items are connected to the blast.

“Police are still investigating the scene to determine the cause of the explosions,” said Jakarta Police

Local television footage showed police cordoning off the area as ambulances and emergency crews stood by. Despite the blast, images from the site showed no major structural damage to the mosque building.