The New York State Police continue to investigate an explosion that occurred Wednesday morning at Abundant Life Fellowship Church, located on the 4930 block of State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville, Oneida County.
Incident Details
First responders were dispatched at approximately 10:23 a.m. following reports of a gas odor inside the church. Preliminary investigation indicates that four individuals were in the basement when the church furnace activated, triggering an explosion. One firefighter on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building was thrown against a wall.
Injured Individuals
Five people were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Officials report all are currently in critical but stable condition:
David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief – Upstate Hospital
Brandon Pitts, 43, Pastor – Upstate Hospital
Allan Austin, 67, Boonville Fire Department – Wynn Hospital
Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville Fire Department – Upstate Hospital
Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville Fire Department – Upstate Hospital
Damage and Investigation
The church sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed. Authorities report there is no indication of criminal activity at this time.
The investigation remains active. Members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation are on site and at the hospitals, alongside Uniform Force personnel, assisting with the ongoing inquiry.
