5 injured in New York church explosion: what caused the Boonville blast and is a propane leak to blame?

Five people were critically injured after a powerful explosion tore through a church in Boonville, New York, on Tuesday morning, authorities confirmed. The blast occurred at approximately 10:25 a.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship Church on State Route 12 in Oneida County, about 50 miles northeast of Syracuse. According to the New York State Police, all five victims — including four members of the Boonville Fire Department and the church’s pastor — were transported to regional hospitals and were later listed in critical but stable condition.

Investigators said the explosion was triggered after reports of a strong gas odor inside the building. First responders entered the structure to investigate. Moments later, the furnace activated, igniting an apparent propane gas buildup in the church basement. The resulting blast caused catastrophic structural damage, sent heavy black smoke into the air, and forced road closures along Route 12. Officials emphasized there was no early evidence of criminal activity, shifting the focus to a potential accidental propane-related explosion.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about gas safety in older religious buildings and rural heating systems that rely on propane cylinders.

Church explosion in Boonville: What happened inside the building

Authorities said emergency crews were dispatched after occupants reported smelling gas inside the church. The property, identified as Abundant Life Fellowship Church, is located in a rural stretch of the Town of Boonville in Oneida County.

According to state police, three firefighters and the church’s pastor were in the basement area attempting to assess the situation when the heating system activated. Investigators believe propane gas may have accumulated in the lower level. When the furnace switched on, it likely ignited the concentrated fumes, causing a sudden and violent explosion.

Another firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the structure at the time of the blast. Officials said he was thrown against a wall by the force of the explosion.

The church sustained what authorities described as “catastrophic damage.” Portions of the structure were heavily compromised, and thick smoke was visible from a distance shortly after the incident. Photos from the scene showed debris scattered across the property and significant structural collapse.

Route 12 southbound at Potato Hill Road and northbound at Kerwin Road were temporarily closed as emergency crews secured the scene and investigators began assessing the damage.

Injured firefighter and pastor among those hospitalized

State police identified the five injured individuals as Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr., 60; Pastor Brandon Pitts, 43; firefighters Allan Austin, 67; Nicholas Amicucci, 43; and Richard Czajka, 71.

Several victims were transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, a regional trauma center, while one was taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica. Earlier reports indicated two people were in critical condition, including a firefighter who suffered severe burns. Later updates from authorities stated all five were in critical but stable condition.

The injured firefighter who was ventilating the building reportedly sustained significant trauma from being thrown by the blast force. Emergency officials have not released further details about the extent of internal injuries but confirmed that burn treatment and trauma care were being administered.

The pastor was among those in the basement at the time of ignition. Officials did not indicate whether church members or parishioners were present during the explosion, suggesting the incident occurred outside of regular worship hours.

Propane heating system under investigation

Preliminary findings suggest the church was heated using propane cylinders, a common fuel source in rural parts of upstate New York. Investigators are examining whether a leak in the propane system allowed gas to accumulate inside the basement.

The New York State Police confirmed there was no initial indication of criminal activity. Instead, the focus remains on mechanical failure, gas line malfunction, or ventilation issues.

Gas explosions in enclosed spaces can occur when fuel vapors reach a critical concentration and encounter an ignition source. In this case, authorities believe the furnace ignition may have provided that spark.

Fire safety experts note that propane, being heavier than air, can collect in lower levels of buildings such as basements. Without proper ventilation, even a small leak can create hazardous conditions.

Investigators will likely examine the church’s heating system maintenance history, cylinder storage, and inspection records as part of the probe.

The explosion has shaken the tight-knit Boonville community, located in Oneida County’s rural corridor. Emergency response teams remained on site into the evening to ensure structural stability and rule out secondary hazards.

Officials advised motorists to avoid the area while road closures remained in effect. Local authorities coordinated traffic diversions to manage congestion near the damaged church property.

As investigators continue their work, attention is also focused on the recovery of the injured firefighters and pastor. Firefighters routinely respond to gas odor calls, which are typically precautionary. However, this incident underscores the unpredictable dangers emergency crews face when entering structures with potential gas leaks.

The New York State Police said further updates would be released once the cause of the church explosion is definitively determined.