In brief
CCTV footage captured a sneaker store in San Antonio, Surabaya, as an explosion ripped through the premises late Thursday. Police suspect a gas leak triggered the blast, with no evidence of explosives. Five shoppers and staff were rushed to hospital; a broader fire damaged at least 41 neighboring buildings. Authorities are investigating the incident while residents remain on alert for further risks. The event underscores the need for stricter safety protocols in commercial venues.
CCTV captured the moment a sneaker shop in the San Antonio neighbourhood of Surabaya was engulfed by a sudden explosion. The blast shattered windows and collapsed the storefront, sending shards of glass everywhere.
Police said five people were hospitalised following the incident, which investigators say is strongly suspected to have been caused by a gas leak. No suspicious substances or explosives were found at the scene.
The blast has damaged at least 41 surrounding buildings, prompting the city to shut down traffic in the area and to conduct a thorough safety inspection. Residents were directed to avoid the immediate vicinity while authorities assessed the structural integrity of nearby homes.
Surabaya’s fire department arrived on the scene within minutes and extinguished the flames. Emergency crews also removed debris and debris went into the nearby landfill as part of a cleanup operation that is expected to last several days.
This incident highlights the growing concern over industrial safety in densely populated areas of Indonesia. The government announced a review of commercial building codes and will offer training to local shop owners to prevent similar future incidents.