New York State Police are investigating an explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church on State Route 12 in the town of Boonville, New York, that left five people injured Tuesday morning. Authorities said first responders were dispatched around 10:23 a.m. after reports of a gas odor inside the church, and witnesses told investigators they smelled gas before the explosion.
In a statement to Newsweek, state police said a Boonville firefighter was inside the building during the response when the blast occurred, and that two people — the firefighter and one civilian — are in critical condition, while three others suffered injuries not believed to be life‑threatening. The church sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed, officials said, adding there is no indication of criminal activity and that the building was heated by propane cylinders.
In a statement posted by the church, a congregant said the pastor and another member had called a propane company to report an apparent gas leak before the explosion and were among those injured, describing the incident as a developing situation. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation as state police and fire officials continue working at the scene.
Newsweek left a voicemail with Oneida County Emergency Services for more information on Tuesday.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
