Illegal Gas Lines Discovered Under Restaurant Verandas in Old Town Square

A shocking discovery has intensified the situation regarding the illegal restaurant verandas on Prague’s Old Town Square.

On Wednesday, employees of the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) removed several unauthorized structures, only to find gas lines running directly beneath the pavement.

According to a report by Blesk, the gas lines were likely installed without proper permits or following regulations. Karolína Šnejdarová, spokesperson for Prague 1, confirmed this to CNN Prima NEWS, stating, “It appears these were improperly built and lacked the necessary approval.”

The discovery poses a serious safety risk. Forensic expert Vít Klein warned that any damage to the gas lines could have caused a dangerous leak or, in the worst case, an explosion. “These lines were not approved by the monuments authority or the building office,” Šnejdarová added, emphasizing the potentially hazardous oversight.

The gas lines were originally intended to help local restaurateurs operate their outdoor spaces during winter by supplying fuel to heaters. However, they were laid without official permission, and their construction was far from compliant with safety standards. According to Prague deputy Adam Scheinherr, the issue was raised years ago.

Scheinherr told CNN Prima NEWS that both he and deputy Kristýna Drápalová had proposed taking action three years ago, urging the city, the monuments authority, and the transport department to address the problem. “Neither the owners of the front gardens nor Prague 1 responded to these concerns,” Scheinherr noted, but expressed relief that the situation was finally being dealt with.

Despite the seriousness of the discovery, police are currently not investigating. Police spokesperson Richard Hrdina informed that no official report has been filed about the situation. “Without a formal complaint, there is nothing for us to investigate,” he stated.

Forensic expert Vít Klein reiterated the security risks, explaining that mechanical damage to the gas distribution system could have led to a catastrophic gas leak. “There was a real danger of ignition or even an explosion,” he warned.

On Wednesday, TSK removed two front verandas that had been installed on Old Town Square without permission.

The company K.V.P. Gastro, which managed these gardens, was informed in June 2022 that its lease agreement with the city would be terminated. Moreover, the company did not possess the required occupation permit from Prague 1.

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