(The Lion) — Multiple injuries are reported after an explosion at a Boonville, New York, church on Tuesday morning.
Authorities were called to the building at 10:23 a.m. after the smell of gas was detected, according to New York State Police.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that four individuals were in the church’s basement when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion,” states the police report. “One firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the explosion and was thrown against a wall.”
All five victims are listed in critical condition. The police report identifies them as:
- David Pritchard Jr., age 60, Boonville Fire Chief, transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Brandon Pitts, age 43, Pastor of the church, transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Allan Austin, age 67, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Wynn Hospital.
- Nicholas Amicucci, age 43, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Richard Czajka, age 71, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital.
Police say there is no indication of criminal activity, though the investigation is ongoing.
Video of the blaze shows the church completely destroyed.