You step into a small town moment when a routine visit to a church turns into a life-changing emergency. A propane-related blast at Abundant Life Fellowship in Boonville injured five people and left one firefighter fighting for his life, while investigators and emergency crews work to piece together what happened.
Five people were taken to Wynn Hospital after the explosion, with a firefighter and one civilian listed in critical condition and three others hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
This post will walk through the explosion’s timeline, the building’s catastrophic damage, and how first responders handled the scene so you understand what led to the blast and how the community is coping.
Church Explosion Details and Immediate Aftermath
A powerful blast destroyed much of the church building, sent five people to the hospital, and left at least one firefighter in critical condition. Emergency crews remained on scene as investigators and utility crews worked to secure the site.
Timeline of the Incident
At about 10:23 a.m. on Feb. 17, first responders arrived after people inside reported smelling gas and the pastor had called the propane company. Firefighters from Boonville and nearby departments responded quickly; a member of the Boonville Fire Department was in the building when the blast occurred.
The explosion happened shortly after crews entered the basement area where a furnace had been activated, according to preliminary reports. Emergency medical teams transported five injured people to a Utica hospital; two — a firefighter and a civilian — were listed in critical condition. Traffic near Potato Hill and Kerwin roads was closed while crews worked.
Location and Background of Abundant Life Fellowship Church
Abundant Life Fellowship sits on Route 12 in the town of Boonville, Oneida County, New York. The church served a small rural congregation and used propane cylinders for heating during winter months.
Pastor Brandon Pitts and at least one congregation member were reportedly at the building when they detected a strong gas odor and contacted the propane company. Local residents and responders described heavy damage to the structure; state police later called the building “destroyed” and classified the damage as catastrophic.
Circumstances Leading to the Explosion
Investigators focused on a suspected gas leak as the ignition source after occupants reported smelling gas. The church was heated with propane cylinders, and snow or other winter conditions may have affected lines or fittings, according to local reporting on the ongoing probe.
Preliminary findings indicate the furnace in the basement activated and a subsequent ignition triggered the blast. Authorities reported no immediate indication of criminal activity while they continued technical inspections, interviews, and coordination with utility specialists to determine the exact chain of events. For more on the incident and injuries, see reporting on the church explosion and injuries.
Victims, Injuries, and Emergency Response
Five people suffered injuries in the explosion, including the church pastor and four members of the local fire department. Officials say several victims were critically hurt and taken to nearby hospitals, and responders began damage control and a safety investigation immediately.
Identities and Conditions of the Injured
Pastor Brandon Pitts, 43, suffered serious burns and other trauma after the blast and was transported to a regional burn center for treatment. Three Boonville firefighters — David Pritchard Jr., 60; Allan Austin, 67; and Nicholas Amicucci, 43 — were also injured while working inside or near the building and received emergency care at local hospitals.
A fourth firefighter, Richard Czajka, 71, was reported among the injured and treated for injuries consistent with being thrown by the blast. Officials described several victims as in critical but stable condition in early reports; hospitals have not released full prognoses. Authorities continue to update family notifications and medical statuses as care progresses.
Response by Boonville Fire Department
Boonville Fire Department personnel arrived after 911 calls about a gas smell and an active furnace in the church basement. Firefighters entered to investigate and ventilate when the explosion occurred, injuring crew members on site and complicating the initial rescue effort.
The department coordinated with Oneida County Emergency Services and state police to secure the area, treat the injured, and stage mutual aid from neighboring units. Incident command prioritized victim extraction, triage, and rapid transport while establishing a perimeter to protect civilians from structural collapse and lingering gas hazards.
Damage to the Church and Community Impact
Officials described Abundant Life Fellowship as having suffered catastrophic damage, with the building effectively destroyed and Potato Hill Road temporarily closed. The blast damaged structural elements and interior systems, leaving the congregation without its meeting space and prompting concerns about long-term rebuilding costs.
Community members reported hearing and feeling the explosion across the small town of Boonville, and local leaders organized immediate shelter options for displaced parishioners. The loss of the church affects not only worship services but also weekly outreach programs and social services that served the surrounding area.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Investigators from New York State Police and local officials continue to examine the scene to determine the precise cause; early accounts mention a furnace activation and reports of a gas smell before the blast. Officials have cautioned that propane or other heating sources remain under review and that criminal activity has not been indicated.
Recovery work includes structural assessments, removing hazardous materials, and coordination with insurers and contractors for demolition or stabilization. The town and fire department are also arranging counseling and support for first responders and congregation members while medical teams continue to treat the injured and families receive updates.
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