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A gas leak led to a catastrophic explosion that destroyed the Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville on Tuesday (February 17), leaving five people critically injured.
The blast occurred just before 10:30 a.m. when the church's furnace activated while emergency crews were responding to reports of a gas leak, according to New York State Police. Four firefighters and the church's pastor were in the building at the time.
Among those critically injured were Boonville Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr., 60; Pastor Brandon Pitts, 43; and firefighters Allan Austin, 67; Nicholas Amicucci, 43; and Richard Czajka, 71. All five victims are currently listed in critical but stable condition at area hospitals.
"The building was nearly fully engulfed in flames and smoke within 15 minutes of the explosion," noted a church representative in a social media post. The structure, which was reportedly heated by propane cylinders, suffered what authorities described as "catastrophic damage" and is considered completely destroyed.
One firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building when the explosion occurred, while the others were in the basement, Fox News reported. The blast threw the first-floor firefighter against a wall.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the incident on social media, stating she had been briefed on the situation. "State Fire, EMS, and Office of Emergency Management personnel are on the scene," Hochul wrote. "Praying for the full recovery of the five individuals injured."
Investigators have found no indication of criminal activity, according to state police. The explosion remains under active investigation with members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation present at both hospitals and the scene.
Local roads near the church, including Potato Hill Road, remain blocked, and authorities are advising motorists to avoid the area as the investigation continues.