Six dead, eight injured in tragic restaurant fire in Most

A tragic fire that broke out in the U Kojota restaurant in Most, North Bohemia, has claimed the lives of six people and left eight others injured, six of whom are in critical condition. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with the area closed to the public.

The fire, which was reported to firefighters at 11:17 p.m. on Jan. 11, quickly spread through the restaurant. Initial reports indicate that the fire may have been triggered by an explosion of a propane butane gas bottle.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the building fully engulfed in flames, and the blaze escalated rapidly. Firefighters from 12 units were deployed to tackle the fire, working throughout the night and early morning hours. By around 4 a.m., they had managed to control the blaze.

During the firefighting operation, one firefighter from a volunteer unit sustained injuries. However, the team’s efforts led to the rescue of a severely injured guest trapped in the restaurant's toilet. The guest was extricated from the burning building and rushed to the hospital.

Despite the swift response from emergency services, the fire claimed the lives of six individuals and left several others hospitalized in critical condition. The injured were transported to hospitals in Most, Ústí nad Labem, and Prague.

As of early Sunday morning, firefighters have managed to bring the fire under control, and the operation has moved to securing the structural integrity of the building. However, the scene remains under investigation.

Police confirmed that the cause of the fire is suspected to be an explosion, though further details are awaited. Authorities have urged anyone who was present at the restaurant before the fire broke out to come forward with information, particularly witnesses or guests who may have seen something crucial.

"I am here with the Mayor of Most, the Governor of the Ústí Region, and representatives of the emergency services in Most, where the investigation into yesterday's tragedy is still ongoing," Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan writes on X.

"I want to express my sincere condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy and wish a speedy recovery to all the injured."

The area surrounding the restaurant, located on Františka Halase Street, remains closed to the public as authorities continue their investigation. More updates on the fire are expected as the situation develops.