Boonville, N.Y. – A tragic explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church has left five people in critical condition. Four firefighters and the church’s pastor were inside when the blast occurred Tuesday morning.
Reports say the incident happened just after 10:30 a.m., shortly after firefighters responded to a call about a gas odor in the church. The church’s pastor, Brandon Pitts, was there along with Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr. and three other firefighters—Allan Austin, Nicholas Amicucci, and Richard Czajka.
Witnesses say they felt the impact of the explosion, which came while four individuals were in the basement, apparently related to the furnace activating. One firefighter described being thrown against a wall by the force of the blast.
After the explosion, all five were rushed to local hospitals. They are currently in critical but stable condition. Initial plans to airlift the victims were canceled due to foggy weather.
The church had posted on Facebook about smelling gas shortly before the explosion and had contacted a propane company for assistance. The propane tank, located close to the building, is reportedly not showing any signs of malfunction or foul play, but the investigation is ongoing.
Firefighters from Boonville and neighboring departments worked tirelessly at the scene to extinguish flames and address hotspots. By the late afternoon, around 40 firefighters were still actively involved, with about 80 total responding to the incident.
This explosion raises questions about gas safety in buildings. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 100 people die each year from unintentional gas-related incidents. Ensuring proper maintenance and timely response to gas odor complaints is critical.
The community remains shaken by this incident. Many residents have taken to social media to express their support for the injured and gratitude for the courageous efforts of the firefighters.
As investigations continue, Route 12 near the church will be closed until at least Wednesday morning.
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