The New York State Police have launched an investigation following an explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship church in Boonville, New York, which resulted in injuries to five individuals.
According to church officials, the incident unfolded when their pastor, accompanied by a member of the congregation, noticed “an obvious gas leak” and promptly alerted emergency services just before 10:30 a.m. local time.
As the pastor, the congregation member, and a firefighter from the Boonville Fire Department were inside the premises, the blast occurred, as reported by the church and state police authorities.
Five people were subsequently transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica. Among them, the firefighter and a civilian are in critical condition, as per officials.
An explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship site in Boonville, New York, was reported. The location is depicted in the image below. (Google Maps)
The remaining three individuals are receiving medical attention for injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
New York State Police said the church sustained “catastrophic damage,” and the church noted the building was nearly fully engulfed in flames and smoke within 15 minutes of the explosion.
The church was reportedly heated by propane cylinders, but the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, according to police.
An explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship church in Boonville, New York, on Feb. 17, 2026, left several injured, including a firefighter. (Google Maps)
Officials said there is no indication of criminal activity.
Members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform Force remain at the scene assisting with the investigation.
“Please just pray for peace, especially for Pastor Brandon and MaeLeah,” the church wrote in a Facebook post. “And go ahead and lift a lot of praise for the Lord’s protection over all the things NOT happening at church at the time of this emergency.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responded to the tragedy on social media, noting she has been briefed.
“State Fire, EMS, and Office of Emergency Management personnel are on the scene,” Hochul wrote in an X post. “Praying for the full recovery of the five individuals injured.”
New York State Police and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.
