Church explosion in upstate New York injures 5 people, including
firefighters
[February 18, 2026]
BOONVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — A fiery explosion that ripped through a
church in upstate New York on Tuesday injured five people, including the
pastor and firefighters who responded to a report of a gas odor in the
building, officials said.
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Firefighters battle a fire at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church,
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Boonville, N.Y. (Nichole Moore, Daily
Sentinel/Boonville Herald via AP) |
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New York State Police were investigating the blast, which sent
thick plumes of black smoke into the air around 10:30 a.m. at
the Abundant Life Church in Boonville. The church, about 50
miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Syracuse, was reportedly
heated by propane cylinders, according to troopers.
Local firefighters were dispatched to the church, and four
people were in the basement when the furnace turned on,
triggering an explosion. A firefighter on the first floor trying
to ventilate the building was thrown against a wall by the
blast, according to a preliminary investigation.
Pastor Brandon Pitts, 43, and four members of the Boonville Fire
Department, aged 43 to 71, were sent to area hospitals with
injuries. All five were listed in critical but stable condition,
according to police.
“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,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said
in a prepared statement.
Police said there was no initial indication of criminal activity
related to the explosion.
The church sustained catastrophic damage.
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