A Catholic church in Queens was engulfed in flames less than 24 hours before worshippers were set to gather for Easter Sunday mass.
The fire broke out at Saint Edmund Church of the Holy Trinity Parish at 204-25 Rockaway Point Blvd. just before 2 p.m. Saturday, according to the FDNY.
In total, 33 units and 138 fire and EMS personnel responded to the three-alarm blaze, which appeared to rip through the first and second floors of the squat building, break several windows and tearing part of the church’s roof off.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the flames, with one being transported to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. The other refused medical attention, according to the department.
There were no other injuries, and the fire was brought under control at 3:40 p.m., the FDNY said.
The historical church, which was founded in 1937, was scheduled to host a 10:30 a.m. worship on Sunday, according to the Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish’s website.
The Parish did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Fire marshalls were investigating the cause.
