Europe

Death toll rises to 5 in Czech gas explosion

PRAGUE (AP) — Officials say the death toll after a powerful gas explosion that destroyed a three-story apartment building in eastern Czech Republic has risen to five.

Firefighters spokesman Petr Kudela said Monday rescuers working with sniffer dogs found three dead children and one more body burned beyond recognition. Another body was recovered Sunday. Officials say 11 people were injured in the blast that occurred early Sunday in the town of Frenstat pod Radhostem.

Police say it is likely it was caused by gas. One person is still missing.

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