Heavy snow set off the explosion that injured five people at a Boonville church, according to Spectrum News.
State Police said snow buildup caused the roof of Abundant Life Fellowship on Route 12 to sag and damage a propane line. Firefighters responded to reports of a gas odor Tuesday morning and tried to shut off power when the blast erupted. Investigators said the furnace activated while four people stood in the basement, triggering the explosion.
Four firefighters and Pastor Brandon Pitts suffered serious injuries, and officials later listed them as stable, though two remain in critical condition. Authorities ruled out criminal activity and said the church sustained catastrophic damage.
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