BREAKING: Five injured after church in central NY explodes

A church in central New York exploded on Tuesday morning, leaving five people hospitalized, including a firefighter, the New York State Police said. 

Police said they were dispatched to Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville just before 10:30 am after people inside the church reported smelling gas. A member of the Boonville Fire Department entered the church during the response, and the explosion occurred while they were inside.

The firefighter and a civilian are in critical condition, while three others are being treated for injuries not believed to be life-threatening. WKTV noted that the building is reportedly heated by propane cylinders, however, the exact cause of the explosion is under investigation. NY state troopers said the church "sustained catastrophic damage." 

In a post to the church’s Facebook page, a woman named Lydia wrote, "Many have seen the reports of a gas leak and explosion at the church a short while ago. This is 'a developing story,' as they say, and not necessarily 100% accurate. Our pastor and another congregation member were present at church and had called the propane company to respond to an obvious gas leak. The two of them and a few other responders were in the building at the time of the explosion. They have burns that need medical attention but I think everyone will be just fine physically."

"The building was nearly fully engulfed in flames and smoke when my husband and I left the scene, maybe 15 minutes after the explosion. Please just pray for peace, especially for Pastor Brandon and MaeLeah. And go ahead and lift a lot of praise for the Lord’s protection over all the things NOT happening at church at the time of this emergency," she added.