Five people were injured — two critically — in an explosion at an upstate New York church Tuesday morning.
Firefighters in the Town of Boonville, in Oneida County, were dispatched to the Abundant Life Fellowship Church on the 4930 block of State Route 12 just before 10:30 a.m. following reports of “a gas odor” in the building, state police said in a press release.
An explosion, which led to “catastrophic damage” to the church, occurred while a Boonville firefighter entered the building, officials said.
Five people were taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica. One firefighter and one civilian are in critical condition, the NYSP said. The other three are being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Pastor Brandon Pitts and an unnamed congregation member had called the propane company over “an obvious gas leak,” according to a message shared on the church’s Facebook page.
“The two of them and a few other responders were in the building at the time of the explosion,” the post read in part. “They have burns that need medical attention but I think everyone will be just fine physically.”
The church was reportedly heated with propane cylinders, but the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, state troopers said. There is no indication of criminal activity at this time.
Fire department activity continues on State Route 12 at Potato Hill Road in Boonville. As of early Tuesday afternoon, all lanes were blocked. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform Force are on scene assisting with the investigation.
