The incident, which occurred in the city of Most at a restaurant called “Kojot”, was likely caused by an explosion of gas cylinders.

Emergency services, including ten medical rescue teams and numerous fire engines, rushed to the scene to contain the flames and assist the victims.

A helicopter was deployed to transport the severely injured, with five of them taken to a specialized burns clinic in Prague, the Czech capital.

Approximately 30 people were evacuated from the restaurant, while residents of a nearby building were also evacuated as a precaution.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a powerful explosion, which is thought to have originated from the gas cylinders powering outdoor heaters.

Authorities are focusing their investigation on this scenario but have not ruled out other possible causes.

Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan is expected to visit the site later in the day.