Explosions at Indonesian high school injure 54 during prayers, student, 17, suspected

At least 54 people were injured when explosions ripped through a mosque during Friday prayers at a high school in Indonesia. Cops in Jakarta said the victims suffered injuries ranging from bruises to cuts, with three of them in serious condition. Officials confirmed the suspect is a 17-year-old student at the school, who is undergoing surgery. Police are investigating his background and possible motive behind the blast that took place at 12.15 pm local time. A bomb squad was deployed to secure the state-run high school and search for additional explosive devices. A police officer at the scene confirmed finding two objects resembling firearms and a green ammunition belt. Witnesses described chaos inside the mosque as worshippers scrambled for safety.

“Our hearts were beating fast, we couldn’t breathe,” said Luciana, a cook at the school canteen. She recalled seeing “white smoke coming from the mosque and broken windows after the massive blast.” Students also told local media the suspect was said to be bullied quite often and was allegedly known as a “loner” who made violent drawings. Police sealed off the iron-gated compound while forensic teams combed the mosque for evidence. The blast left debris scattered but caused no major structural damage.