Blast Near School in Jakarta Injures Dozens

A powerful explosion near a school in Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, resulted in injuries to dozens of people on Friday. A senior police official confirmed the incident immediately but did not disclose the official cause of the blast.

Asep Edi Suheri, the Jakarta police chief, reported that an explosion occurred “in the vicinity” of a high school situated within the sprawling metropolitan area.

The sudden blast generated immediate panic and required a rapid, large-scale emergency response from city authorities.

Initial Casualty Tally and Medical Response

The police chief provided initial details on the number of victims affected by the shockwave and debris. “The initial data we have received indicates that there are approximately 54 individuals affected,” Asep told reporters during televised comments.

He clarified the nature of the injuries sustained. “Some have minor injuries, some moderate, and some have already been discharged.” This mix of injuries required quick triage and deployment of medical teams.

Authorities moved swiftly to secure the location of the incident. The area surrounding the high school was quickly cordoned off. Police confirmed they are currently “processing the crime scene,” Asep said. Furthermore, a specialized bomb squad from the Jakarta police has been deployed to the site.

Their immediate task is to conduct a forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of the powerful blast.

Asep confirmed that authorities established dedicated assistance posts at two local hospitals. This measure was taken to assist relatives in finding and receiving updates on the injured victims. “We are still investigating, as this incident just occurred,” Asep concluded, stressing the preliminary nature of the findings.

The Scene and Broader Security Context

The incident naturally caused widespread concern among residents and authorities, especially given the proximity of the explosion to an educational institution.

The police response reflects the high priority given to security incidents in densely populated urban centers.

The deployment of the bomb squad signals that authorities are treating the event with utmost seriousness, aiming to determine whether the explosion was accidental or intentionally caused. The chief’s prompt communication of the casualty numbers was intended to manage public information during the initial chaos.

The investigation will involve gathering witness accounts, examining debris patterns, and analyzing any recovered fragments to establish the explosive source.

Until these forensic processes are completed, police cannot confirm any motives or provide details on how the explosive device, if any, was detonated. The focus remains on securing the area and providing care for the injured.

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