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Explosion Shatters Friday Prayers in Indonesian Capital
Jakarta, Indonesia – A scene of serene Friday worship was violently shattered today when a powerful explosion ripped through a crowded mosque in Jakarta, injuring at least 54 people. The blast at the Indonesian mosque occurred during the peak of Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers in the capital city, a time when the building was filled with the faithful, sending shockwaves of fear across the nation.
Eyewitnesses described a deafening bang followed by scenes of utter chaos and panic. The sacred hall, moments before a place of quiet reflection, was instantly filled with smoke, debris, and the cries of the wounded. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
“We were in the middle of our prayers when the ground shook. It was a massive sound,” an eyewitness told a local news channel. “For a moment, nobody understood what happened. Then we saw people on the ground, bleeding. There was screaming everywhere. It was a nightmare.”
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
Emergency services were on the scene within minutes of the blast. Ambulances rushed to ferry the injured to nearby hospitals, including the Jakarta Central Hospital, which declared a state of emergency to handle the influx of victims.
Police have cordoned off a wide perimeter around the mosque as bomb disposal and forensic teams meticulously search the wreckage for clues. While the exact cause of the blast at the Indonesian mosque remains under investigation, authorities are exploring all possibilities.
“Our primary focus right in this moment is on the victims and securing the area,” said General Budi Santoso, spokesperson for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police. “It is too early to determine the nature of the explosion or to speculate on motives. A high-level investigation has been launched.”
Global Condemnation and Calls for Calm
The attack on a place of worship has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders across the globe. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, has battled with extremism in the past, and this incident brings back painful memories of previous attacks. The government has appealed for calm and urged citizens not to spread unverified rumours.
New Delhi is also closely monitoring the situation. A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the “heinous attack” and expressing solidarity with the people of Indonesia. The Indian Embassy in Jakarta has activated a helpline to ascertain if any Indian nationals were affected.
As the city remains on high alert, the key questions are who is responsible for this attack on innocent civilians and whether it was a targeted act of terror. For the 54 injured during the Friday prayers in the capital city Jakarta, the focus is on recovery, while the world watches and waits for answers.
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