Explosion Rocks Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, Five Critically Injured
On Tuesday morning, an explosion occurred at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, Oneida County, N.Y., resulting in critical injuries to five individuals.
Emergency crews were initially on the scene due to a reported odor of gas. The explosion took place when the church's furnace activated.
One of the critically injured individuals is Boonville Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr., 60. The other injured include three firefighters and the church's pastor.
Four individuals, including Fire Chief Pritchard, were transported to Upstate University Hospital, while one was taken to Wynn Hospital. Their conditions are reported as critical but stable.
Damage to the church building is described as catastrophic, with the structure largely destroyed.
As of Tuesday afternoon, investigators found no indications of criminal activity related to the explosion. The incident remains under investigation.