An explosion tore through Abundant Life Fellowship Church on State Route 12 in the town of Boonville on Tuesday morning, injuring five people and causing extensive damage to the building.
New York State Police said first responders were dispatched at around 10:23 am local time following reports of a gas odour inside the church. Witnesses later told investigators they had smelled gas shortly before the blast.
In a statement to Newsweek, state police confirmed that a Boonville firefighter was inside the structure responding to the call when the explosion occurred. The firefighter and one civilian were left in critical condition, while three others sustained injuries that authorities said were not believed to be life-threatening.
Officials described the church building as having suffered catastrophic damage and said it was effectively destroyed in the explosion. Authorities noted that there was no initial indication of criminal activity. The church was reportedly heated using propane cylinders.
In a message shared by the congregation, a church member said the pastor and another congregant had contacted a propane company to report a suspected gas leak shortly before the explosion. Both were among those injured. The situation was described as still developing.
Investigators from state police and local fire departments remained at the scene as they continued to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
