BOONVILLE, N.Y. — The New York State Police said five people were critically injured in the explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, Oneida County, N.Y., on Tuesday morning.
Initially, the state police said two people, a firefighter and a civilian, were facing serious injuries and three others had injuries that were considered non-life-threatening.
The police said one of the critically injured is Boonville Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr., 60. Three firefighters and the church’s pastor are the others who were injured. Four, including Fire Chief Pritchard, were taken to Upstate University Hospital. The other was taken to Wynn Hospital. Their condition is listed as critical, but stable.
The police said one of the firefighters who was hurt was on the first floor of the church, ventilating it when the explosion occurred. The others were in the basement.
Emergency crews were at the scene for a report of an odor of gas. Police said the explosion occurred when the church’s furnace activated.
The police described the damage to the church as “catastrophic.” Video from WKTV showed that the church was destroyed. Its top half was gone and the remaining pieces of the structure were charred by smoke and fire. Firefighters could be seen dousing the fire from ladders.
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. released the following statement:
I am deeply saddened by the explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship church in the Town of Boonville and am praying for all those impacted by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured. I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others. Oneida County is in close communication with local officials and emergency services, and we stand ready to provide any assistance needed as the investigation continues. I urge motorists to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to do their critical work.
The Abundant Life Church posted on its Facebook page said its pastor and a member of its congregation were inside when the explosion occurred.
The state police said that as of Tuesday afternoon, there are no signs of any criminal activity involved in the explosion.
The Boonville Fire Department, Boonville Ambulance, Remsen FD, Barneveld FD, Stittville FD, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Northstar Ambulance, Oneida County Emergency Services, AmCare Ambulance, Forestport Fire Department and Kuyahoora Ambulance responded.
The explosion remains under investigation.
This is a developing story.
