agencies
Prague
Eight people have been injured in an explosion in a residential building in the southern Czech town of Znojmo, two of them seriously, national public news agency CTK reported, citing an emergency services spokesman.
A sniffer dog and a helicopter were used in the search and rescue operation, but no further victims were found under the rubble.
Residents reported that the blast could be heard kilometres away.
Initial reports suggested that the explosion could have been caused by a build-up of natural gas.
A photo published by police showed a collapsed façade of the first floor in an old building.
The roof also showed signs of damage.
Frantisek Koudela, mayor of the town, which lies in South Moravia some 180 kilometres south-east of Prague, said it would have to be torn down. The authorities were prepared to offer assistance to those affected, he said.
