PITTSBURGH -- Two firefighters were killed and 29 were injured Saturday when a church on fire collapsed as they tried to put out the flames, officials said.

The Pittsburgh firefighters killed in the blaze have been identified as Battalion Chief Charles Brace of Brookline, and Richard A. Stefanakis of Carrick.

Five firefighters suffered serious or critical head and chest injuries when the roof of the Ebenezer Baptist Church collapsed Saturday morning, said Bob Kennedy, city operations director. At least one was undergoing surgery at a Pittsburgh hospital.

"There's every indication that there was an electrical fire in the basement that jumped up the walls and spread rapidly," Kennedy said.

Firefighters entered the Wylie Avenue building about an hour after the fire started to douse hot spots, Kennedy said.

The fire then "flashed over," engulfing the sanctuary, and the roof and steeple collapsed, trapping the firefighters, he said.

Emergency crews located the firefighters' bodies in the rubble, Kennedy said. He did not release their identities but said one was a battalion captain.

Firefighters at the scene removed their helmets and turned off warning lights on their vehicles in tribute as each body was removed.

The senior pastor of the church, the Rev. J. Van Alfred Winsett, said that the congregation was preparing for a breakfast when the fire started.

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