Five Hurt in New York Church Blast, Including Pastor and Firefighters

An explosion at a New York church Tuesday morning injured five people, including the pastor and four firefighters who were responding to reports of a gas smell. The blast at Abundant Life Church in Boonville was caused by propane heating equipment and left all victims in critical but stable condition.

BOONVILLE, N.Y. — Five individuals were hospitalized Tuesday morning following a devastating blast at a New York church that authorities believe was triggered by propane heating equipment.

The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m. at Abundant Life Church in Boonville, located approximately 50 miles northeast of Syracuse. State police report the incident began when emergency crews were called to investigate reports of gas fumes inside the building.

According to investigators’ initial findings, four individuals were located in the church’s lower level when the heating system activated, causing the deadly blast. The force of the explosion hurled a firefighter on the main floor against a wall as he attempted to clear the building of dangerous gases.

Among those injured were 43-year-old Pastor Brandon Pitts and four members of the local fire department, ranging in age from 43 to 71 years old. Medical facilities in the area treated all five victims, who remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, authorities confirmed.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente praised the emergency responders’ courage in a public statement: “Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured. I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others.”

Law enforcement officials stated they found no evidence suggesting the explosion was intentionally caused. The religious facility suffered severe structural damage from the blast, which created massive clouds of dark smoke visible throughout the community.

State police continue their investigation into the incident involving the propane-heated building.