Dozens of people were injured on Friday after a powerful explosion occurred near a high school in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. Authorities have cordoned off the area as police teams, including a bomb squad, investigate the cause of the blast.
Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that “approximately 54 individuals” were affected by the explosion, which took place “in the vicinity” of the school. “Some have minor injuries, some moderate, and some have already been discharged,” he told reporters in comments broadcast by Kompas TV.
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Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, transporting victims to nearby hospitals while authorities set up help desks in two hospitals to assist families searching for their loved ones. Police said they are still collecting evidence and have not yet determined whether the blast was accidental or deliberate.
“The area has been sealed off, and our bomb squad is processing the crime scene,” Asep said. “We are still investigating, as this incident just occurred.”
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The explosion has caused widespread concern in Jakarta, a city of more than 10 million people, though officials have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue. More details are expected once forensic teams complete their initial assessment.