A devastating fire at the U Kojota restaurant in Most, northern Czech Republic, claimed six lives and left six others with serious injuries late Saturday night, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The fire, which broke out before midnight, is believed to have been caused by an overturned gas heater. Firefighters worked tirelessly, deploying over 60 personnel to bring the blaze under control by 1 a.m. Emergency services evacuated approximately 30 people from the restaurant and a nearby apartment building, according to Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, who visited the site Sunday morning.
Most Mayor Marek Hrvol described the incident as the city’s worst tragedy in recent memory. The injured are receiving treatment in hospitals in Most and surrounding areas, while an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
The restaurant, located about 63 miles north of Prague, was still open at the time of the fire. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
