New York State Police are investigating an explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, in the United States, where four firefighters and a pastor were injured.

Axar.az informs, citing Fox news, church leaders said their pastor and a congregation member were at the building and called first responders to report "an obvious gas leak."

The preliminary investigation indicates four people were in the church's basement when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion, according to the New York State Police.

A Boonville firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the explosion and was thrown against a wall.

Authorities said five people were taken to the hospital and are all listed in critical, but stable condition.

New York State Police said the church sustained "catastrophic damage" and is considered destroyed.