Jakarta: Multiple explosions ripped through a mosque at a state high school in North Jakarta during Friday prayers, injuring at least 54 people, the majority of whom were students, police reported.

The incident occurred around midday at the mosque located within SMA 27, a high school situated inside a navy compound in the capital's northern Kelapa Gading neighbourhood.

Details of the Incident

Witnesses speaking to local television stations reported hearing at least two loud blasts precisely as the sermon was beginning. A state of panic quickly enveloped the area, with students and others rushing out of the mosque as it filled with grey smoke.

Most of the casualties suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe due to glass shards.

Investigation Underway

According to Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri, the explosions originated from an area near the mosque's loudspeaker.

Following the incident, injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals. While some victims were released quickly, 20 students remain under hospital care, with three reported to have serious injuries, the police chief confirmed.

The Chief also disclosed that an anti-bomb squad deployed to the scene made a notable discovery: toy rifles and a toy gun were found near the mosque.

Police Chief Suheri emphasised that the cause of the blasts remains under investigation and cautioned the public against premature conclusions regarding the incident's nature.

With inputs from AP