NEW YORK: A fiery explosion ripped through a church in upstate New York on Tuesday, injuring five people including a firefighter who was badly burned while responded to reports of a gas odor in the building, officials said. New York State Police were investigating the cause of the blast, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the 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. Two were listed in critical condition, including a firefighter who responded to the scene.

A church explosion in upstate New York injures five, including a critically hurt firefighter; investigation underway.

An explosion tore through a church in upstate New York on Tuesday, injuring five people, including a firefighter who suffered severe burns while responding...