Workers Patching Potholes May Have Sparked Fire At Oakmont Church
OAKMONT (KDKA) – A devastating fire tore through an historic church in Oakmont Friday, leaving the sanctuary in ruins and parishioner heartbroken.
St. Paul Baptist Church has stood on Second Street for more than 110 years.
But Friday afternoon, flames were seen coming from a hole in the roof of the church.
Watch Video From The Scene:
"It's pretty evident that the building is gone," said Rev. Shane Austin, of St. Paul Baptist Church. "We're going to have to rebuild. Hopefully, we'll be able to do that."
Leslie Proctor, of Oakmont, stood across the street from St. Paul Baptist Church Friday night holding back tears. Proctor has been attending the Oakmont church most of her life.
She and other parishioners and neighbors were at a loss for words after seeing their church destroyed in the three-alarm fire.
Proctor told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti, "I was married in that church, my son was baptized there, and I've been to many weddings and funerals there."
Another church member, Anita Morley, said she was saddened. She described the fire as "unbelievable."
Oakmont Police Chief David DiSanti said it appears workers patching potholes in the adjacent church parking lot may have started the fire accidentally.
They were using a propane torch too close to one of the back walls where the fire was believed to have started.
Watch Video From The Scene:
Rev. Austin said he was relieved no one was hurt in the fire.
"The building can be replaced, people cannot," he said.
Rev. Austin said Sunday church services this weekend will be held in a building across the street from the burned out St. Paul Baptist Church.
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