An explosion at a church in the Town of Boonville sent five people to the hospital Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred around 10:23 a.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship on the 4930 block of State Route 12 after reports of a gas odor inside the building. Preliminary reports indicate civilians inside the church smelled gas before the explosion.
A Boonville Fire Department member was inside the structure when the blast occurred. Five people were transported to Wynn Hospital for treatment. Two, a firefighter and a civilian, are listed in critical condition, while the other three sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The church sustained catastrophic damage. Officials say there is no indication of criminal activity at this time. The building was reportedly heated with propane cylinders, and the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform Force is assisting with the investigation.
Authorities say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
