A fiery explosion ripped through a church in upstate New York on Tuesday (Feb. 17, 2026), injuring five people, including a firefighter who was severely burned while responding to reports of a gas odor in the building, officials said.
New York State Police are investigating the cause of the 10:30 a.m. explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in a rural area about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Syracuse.
Five people were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The condition of two including the firemen who responded to the scene is critical. The remaining three are being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, police said.
Police said there were no initial indications of criminal activity in connection with the blast, which sent black smoke into the air and severely damaged the church.
According to state troopers, the church was reportedly heated by propane cylinders.
Published – February 18, 2026 12:15 am IST
