Prayer Hall in Bogor Islamic Boarding School Gutted by Fire After Mobile Phone Explodes While Charging

A prayer hall (majelis taklim) within an Islamic boarding school area in Jambu Luwuk, Ciawi District, Bogor Regency, caught fire. The blaze is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit after a mobile phone exploded while being charged.

Bogor Regency Fire Chief Yudi Santosa told reporters on Monday that the fire was reported at around 8:06 p.m. Western Indonesia Time on Sunday. Residents reportedly heard an explosion from inside the prayer hall before the fire broke out.

‘Residents heard an explosion inside the prayer hall, caused by a mobile phone that was left charging by its owner who had gone to a religious study session. The fire then grew larger, spreading from the first floor to the second floor, with the building area approximately 100 square metres,’ Yudi said.

He added that residents, fearing the fire would spread to nearby houses, reported the incident to the Ciawi Sector fire brigade for handling. Two fire engines were deployed to the location. The firefighting effort was slightly hampered by heavy traffic and narrow roads, but the extinguishing process proceeded smoothly and the fire was successfully put out within about two hours. No casualties were reported, and the total losses have yet to be determined.