A school explosion during Friday prayers in North Jakarta injured at least 54 people, authorities said Friday, as an item with the chilling message “Welcome to Hell” was reportedly found at the scene.
Jakarta Metro Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed the casualty count on television. He stated that 54 individuals were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burn wounds. No fatalities were reported.
Indonesian media reports indicated the discovery of a “weapon” inscribed with the words “Welcome to Hell.” The nature of this item was not immediately specified by police.
The first blast occurred in the SMAN 72 school’s prayer room around 12:15 PM local time. This was during the weekly Friday prayer ceremony.
A second explosion followed at the school’s back gate. Authorities believe the explosions originated from an unknown object located behind the school building.
Students in uniform were immediately evacuated from the school premises in the Kelapa Gading district. Rapid response police and naval military police quickly arrived at the site.
Police requested the public to move back approximately 50 meters from the school. This allowed them to seal off and inspect the scene. Many residents and parents gathered at the school gate seeking their children.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the explosion’s cause. Initial data collection has not confirmed whether the blast resulted from an improvised explosive device. Investigators are also examining the possibility of negligence involving chemicals or electricity at the school.