Two individuals remain in critical condition following a propane explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in the Town of Boonville, Oneida County.
The blast occurred when fire department personnel were responding to a propane leak caused by a damaged fuel line, which investigators say was compromised after heavy snow caused the church roof to slump. Four people were in the basement when the furnace activated, triggering the explosion, and one firefighter on the first floor was thrown against a wall by the blast.
Victims currently hospitalized at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse include:
David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief – fair condition
Brandon Pitts, 43, Pastor – fair condition
Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville FD – critical condition
Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville FD – critical condition
A fifth individual, Allan Austin, 67, Boonville FD, was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica.
The church sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed. There is no indication of criminal activity, and the New York State Police say the investigation is ongoing.
