5 injured, church 'destroyed' after explosion causes 'catastrophic damage': Police

A pastor and at least four firefighters were injured in an explosion at a New York church that resulted in "catastrophic damage" to the building on Tuesday, according to officials.

Abundant Life Fellowship Church is considered "destroyed," New York State Police said. 

According to a preliminary investigation, four people were in the basement of the church when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion. Another firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the explosion and was thrown against the wall, according to police. 

Those injured in the explosion have been identified as Brandon Pitts, 43, the pastor of the church; David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief; Allan Austin, 67, a Boonville Fire Department firefighter; Nicholas Amicucci, 43, a Boonville Fire Department firefighter; and Richard Czajka, 71, a Boonville Fire Department firefighter, according to state police. They are all currently in critical but stable condition, officials said. 

Civilians inside the building prior to the explosion reported smelling gas, according to police. First responders were investigating the gas odor inside the church just before 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

There is currently no indication of criminal activity, according to police. 

State Police earlier said that propane cylinders reportedly heated the church, but the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation. 

Potato Hill Road in Boonville remains blocked and motorists are advised to avoid the area, police said.