An unexpected blast ripped through a sneaker shop in the San Antonio area of Surabaya, Indonesia, turning a bustling retail space into a chaotic scene of crumbling walls and smoke. Events were captured on CCTV, which rolled out footage of the explosion’s instant impact.
Police in Surabaya said a gas leak was the most likely cause, and authorities ruled out any suspicious or explosive material. Five people were hospitalized in nearby hospitals as a result of the explosion; all are reported to be in stable condition.
The blast’s force damaged at least 41 neighbouring buildings, prompting emergency services to evacuate residents and secure the area. Firefighters, investigators, and municipal officials are currently combing the site for further evidence and signs of structural compromise.
City officials issued warnings about the importance of gas safety inspections in densely populated districts. The incident underscores the need for robust building codes and emergency preparedness measures in regions facing rapid commercial development.
