An explosion has severely damaged the Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, upstate New York, leaving five people injured, authorities confirmed.
According to the New York State Police, a gas odour had been reported inside the church prior to the blast on Tuesday. A firefighter was inside the building when the explosion occurred.
Police said both the firefighter and a civilian sustained critical injuries. Three others were also hurt in the incident. All five victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The explosion caused significant structural damage to the church located in the town of Boonville, Oneida County.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. As of Tuesday afternoon, police said there were no indications of criminal activity linked to the incident.
Emergency responders secured the area while investigators continued to assess the scene.
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