Explosion Rips Through Boonville Church, Injuring Five
Blast at Abundant Life Fellowship Church injured five, including a firefighter, after reports of a propane-related gas odor and a furnace activation in the basement.
Overview
A powerful explosion ripped through Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, injuring five people including a firefighter who was badly burned, officials said.
Responders were dispatched after church leaders reported an obvious gas odor and the building was reportedly heated by propane cylinders, and officials said a furnace turned on while four people were in the basement.
New York State Police said investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform Force remain at the scene and that there was no initial indication of criminal activity.
Five people were taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica, with sources variously listing two to five in critical condition and three treated for less serious injuries, and officials said the church sustained catastrophic damage.
Officials said investigators are continuing to probe the cause while state and local emergency personnel were on the scene, and the church asked for prayers for Pastor Brandon Pitts and congregants.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report the church explosion in a factual, nonpartisan manner, focusing on injuries, investigation, and official statements without evaluative language. They cite police findings, a county executive’s praise for first responders, and technical details about propane heating, emphasizing immediate facts and attributed quotes rather than editorial interpretation.
Sources (6)
FAQ
The injured are David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief; Brandon Pitts, 43, church pastor; Allan Austin, 67, Boonville firefighter; Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville firefighter; and Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville firefighter. All are in critical but stable condition.
First responders were dispatched for a reported gas odor. Four individuals were in the basement when the furnace activated, triggering the explosion. One firefighter was ventilating on the first floor and was thrown against a wall. The church used propane cylinders for heating; exact cause under investigation, no criminal activity indicated.
The Abundant Life Fellowship Church sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed.
NY-12 southbound at Potato Hill Road and northbound at Kerwin Road in Boonville is closed; duration unknown. Motorists should avoid the area.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated she was briefed, with state Fire, EMS, and Office of Emergency Management on scene, and prayed for recovery of the injured.
History
- 3 sources
