Church Explosion in Upstate New York

A gas leak explosion occurred at a church in upstate New York on Tuesday morning, leaving four firefighters and a pastor critically injured. According to state police, the incident took place shortly before 10:30 a.m. when emergency responders from Booneville were called to the Abundant Life Fellowship Church due to a reported gas leak.

It seems that three firefighters and Rev. Brandon Pitts were in the basement of the church when the furnace ignited, resulting in a powerful explosion that destroyed the building and propelled the men across the room.

“One firefighter was trying to ventilate the first floor when the blast occurred, throwing him against a wall,” state police noted in a press release. They also stated that the church has suffered extremely severe damage and is considered lost.

The injured included Rev. Pitts, 43, and Booneville firefighters Nicholas Amicucci, 43, David Pritchard, 60, and Richard Czaika, 71, who were all transported to Upstate Hospital. Another firefighter, Alan Austin, was taken to Winn Hospital.

Thankfully, all five individuals are currently reported to be in stable but critical condition.

Hours after the explosion, the church addressed the situation on social media, acknowledging the tragedy. The post mentioned that the pastor and another church member had called in a propane company to investigate an apparent gas leak prior to the explosion.

“They sustained burns that need treatment, but I believe they are all physically okay,” a church representative shared. “When my husband and I left the scene, just about 15 minutes after the explosion, the building was almost entirely engulfed in flames and smoke. Please keep them in your thoughts, especially Pastor Brandon.”

In light of this tragic event, authorities have closed southbound traffic on New York State Route 12 indefinitely. State police have initiated an investigation into the explosion, but they mentioned that there is currently no evidence of criminal conduct.