A devastating fire erupted at a restaurant in Most, a city in northwestern Czech Republic, on Saturday night, claiming six lives and leaving eight others injured. Initial investigations suggest the blaze was triggered by an accident involving an outdoor gas heater, which reportedly tipped over, causing the flames to spread rapidly.
The incident occurred around 10:17 PM local time, with the fire engulfing a wooden beer garden adjacent to the restaurant. Located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Prague, the establishment is situated in a residential area. Emergency services, including 63 firefighters and 28 fire trucks, responded promptly and managed to extinguish the fire by midnight. Despite their efforts, six individuals tragically lost their lives, with their bodies recovered from inside the restaurant.
Of the eight injured, six are reported to be in critical condition. Regional emergency service director Petr Bures confirmed that the injured were transported to hospitals in Prague, Most, and Ústí nad Labem for urgent medical attention. Several of the victims are battling life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a cause of the fire, with preliminary findings attributing the disaster to negligence. It is believed that the outdoor gas heater’s malfunction sparked the blaze. Police have launched a full investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Approximately 30 people were evacuated from the restaurant and a nearby apartment block as the fire spread. Witnesses described scenes of panic as patrons struggled to escape the flames, which consumed the area within moments.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as "a national tragedy" in a statement posted on social media. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and pledged government support for those affected.
The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in public venues, particularly regarding the use of outdoor gas heaters. Authorities have urged businesses and individuals to exercise greater caution and adhere to safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.