An investigation is underway after an explosion occurred at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church located in the Town of Boonville, Oneida County, New York on Tuesday.
Emergency services were initially dispatched at approximately 10:23 a.m. local time following reports of a gas odor inside the building. The incident resulted in injuries to five individuals and significant structural damage to the church.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that civilians inside the building reported smelling gas prior to the explosion,” a spokesperson for the New York State Police said in a statement.
A member of the Boonville Fire Department entered the structure as part of the response efforts. While inside, the explosion took place.
The five injured individuals were transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica for medical treatment. Initial reports from state police indicated that two individuals — a Boonville firefighter and a civilian — were in critical condition, while the remaining three had injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Subsequent updates from local authorities clarified that all five, including the church’s pastor and four members of the Boonville Fire Department, were listed in critical but stable condition at area hospitals.
🚨 BREAKING: Multiple medevac flights have been requested after a church EXPLODES in Boonville, New York
First responders are reporting as many as 13 casuaIties at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church
Pray for these folks today! 🙏🏻
No cause has been released yet, but local news… pic.twitter.com/jET5b07GWT
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 17, 2026
The church, which is heated by propane cylinders, sustained what officials described as “catastrophic damage.” Visual accounts from the scene showed the upper portion of the building destroyed, with remaining sections charred from fire and smoke. Firefighters used ladders to extinguish lingering flames.
State Route 12 was closed in both directions at Potato Hill Road, and motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Fire department operations continued on site throughout the day.
Multiple emergency response agencies were involved in the incident, several fire departments from surrounding communities. Medical helicopters were requested to assist with transport, reflecting the severity of the injuries reported.
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform Force remained on scene to support the ongoing probe.”At this time, there is no indication of criminal activity,” a spokesperson said.
The exact cause of the explosion is under investigation, with a focus on the reported gas odor and the propane heating system. Updates are expected as more information is gathered.
The explosion disrupted normal activities in the small village of Boonville, located about 40 miles north of Utica. The Abundant Life Fellowship Church serves as a place of worship and community gathering in the area.
“I’m praying for the full recovery of the New Yorkers and our firefighters injured in this terrible explosion at Abundant Life Church in Boonville,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
