Explosion at Boonville Church Injures Firefighters and Pastor
UPDATE 2: New details are emerging about the explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville.
Preliminary investigation indicates that four people were in the church’s basement when the furnace activated, triggering the blast. A firefighter on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building was thrown against a wall by the force of the explosion.
A total of five individuals were transported for medical treatment, all currently listed as critical but stable. Those injured include:
- David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief, transported to Upstate Hospital
- Brandon Pitts, 43, Pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship, transported to Upstate Hospital
- Allan Austin, 67, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Wynn Hospital
- Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital
- Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital
Officials say all five are receiving critical care, and the community is being asked to keep the injured and first responders in their thoughts as the investigation continues.
READ MORE: Drone Footage of Boonville Church Explosion
Traffic Advisory
NY-12 southbound at Potato Hill Road and northbound at Kerwin Road in the Town of Boonville is closed due to the church explosion for an indefinite amount of time.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
UPDATE 1: A serious explosion rocked the Abundant Life Fellowship church on State Route 12 in Boonville on Tuesday morning, leaving five people injured and the building badly damaged.
According to the New York State Police, first responders were called to the church around 10:23 AM after reports of a strong gas odor inside the building. Witnesses inside the church said they had smelled gas shortly before the blast.
Five Injured
Tragically, a member of the Boonville Fire Department was inside the church when the explosion happened. Five individuals were transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica for treatment. Two—one firefighter and one civilian—are in critical condition, while the other three suffered injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The church itself suffered catastrophic damage. Officials say the building was reportedly heated using propane cylinders, but the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Avoid the Area
New York State Police, including the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and uniformed officers, remain on the scene helping with the investigation. Fire department activity continues along State Route 12 near Potato Hill Road, with all lanes blocked. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Updates will be shared as more information becomes available, and the community is being asked to keep the victims and first responders in their thoughts and prayers.
Original story
A heavy emergency response is unfolding along State Route 12 in Boonville after reports of a possible explosion inside Abundant Life Church.
Crews were dispatched to 12644 State Route 12, where early emergency calls indicated there may have been an explosion in the building. Initial reports from scanner traffic suggested at least three people were injured, though that number has not yet been officially confirmed.
Responding agencies included fire departments from Boonville, Remsen, Barneveld, and Stittville, along with Boonville Ambulance and North Star EMS. Law enforcement was also on scene.
Details remain limited, but the call notes referenced a possible explosion inside the church. It’s not yet clear what may have caused it or how severe the reported injuries are.
A message circulating on social media from Grace Church reads:
“Pray for the Abundant Life Church on SR 12 in Boonville for an explosion in the building with multiple injuries.”
State Route 12 is one of the main corridors through the area, so the emergency presence was highly visible to passing drivers.
We’re working to learn more and will share updates as official information becomes available.
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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF