Gas Leak Suspected After Explosion Injures Five, Including Firefighter, At New York Church

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 06:40 IST

Emergency crews had responded to reports of a gas odour inside the building before the explosion struck.

An explosion suspected to be linked to a gas leak ripped through a church in New York, injuring five people, including a firefighter who was left in critical condition, authorities said.

The blast occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church, located in a rural area about 50 miles northeast of Syracuse. Emergency crews had responded to reports of a gas odour inside the building before the explosion struck.

According to the New York State Police, five people were taken to a local hospital. Two victims, including the firefighter who was responding to the emergency, were listed in critical condition with severe injuries. The remaining three suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

Witnesses said they had smelled gas prior to the blast. A church statement said the pastor and another congregant had contacted a propane supplier earlier to report a suspected leak. Both were among those injured.

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Authorities said the church was heated using propane cylinders, raising concerns that leaking gas may have contributed to the explosion. However, officials stressed that the exact cause remains under investigation.

The explosion caused catastrophic damage to the structure, sending thick black smoke into the air and leaving the building largely destroyed. Images from the scene showed the church reduced to a smouldering shell as debris lay scattered across the property.

Videos of the explosion and its aftermath were widely shared on social media, showing thick plumes of dark smoke billowing high into the sky as flames and debris engulfed parts of the church. Footage captured by bystanders from a distance showed the building heavily damaged, with sections of the structure torn apart and smoke continuing to pour from the site.

Multiple fire departments responded to the incident and a nearby highway was temporarily shut down as crews secured the area.

News world Gas Leak Suspected After Explosion Injures Five, Including Firefighter, At New York Church

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