A powerful explosion near the center of the Czech capital, Prague, left 55 people injured and four in critical condition.
The potent blast shook a building at the center of Divadelni Street moments before 10 a.m. on Monday, according to ABC News.
Police spokesman, Tomas Hulan, believes a natural gas explosion caused the blast. Rescuers continue to search for survivors amongst the rubble. Injuries are said to include bruises, abrasions, and minor scratches.
"There is an unknown number of injured and trapped people," Prague's emergency services spokeswoman, Jirina Fikejzova said.
At the time of the explosion, an estimated 15 people were inside of the building. The block of apartments turned office space is feared to hold at least three injured inside the remnants of the building.
The explosion was heard on the opposite side of Vltava River in Mala Strana, at the U.S. Embassy, as stated by Bloomberg News.
Nearly 220 people were forced to evacuate the area due to debris and shattered glass. The National Theater, Café Slavia, and the Smetanovo embankment were included.
A student living in a building nearby was near the scene. "I was in the bathroom, no windows, the door was closed, honestly, if I had been in my bed I would have been covered in glass," North Carolina-native, Z.B. Haislip said.
"I was sitting quietly in my flat, making coffee. Then there was an incredible explosion. I thought the building would collapse. I looked out the window, and there was only dust everywhere," Venceslava Sehnotkova, a pensioner, told Reuters.
The Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas has released a statement regarding the incident.
"I am deeply affected by the incident in the city center... I am currently monitoring the situation and am in contact with the Ministry of Interior and other components of the Integrated Rescue System," Necas said.
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