Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the site of a significant explosion at a church, where two individuals were critically injured and five others were taken to the hospital.
The Abundant Life church in Boonville, New York, triggered a large-scale emergency operation following reports of a gas odor in the vicinity prior to the explosion.
A firefighter, responding to the suspected gas leak, was among the victims when the blast occurred at 10:23 am local time, according to New York State Police.
The injured firefighter and a civilian were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, while three others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, as confirmed by authorities.
According to a post on the church’s Facebook page, the pastor and another member of the congregation were present inside the building with a few others at the time of the explosion, resulting in the need for medical attention for those affected.
Local news outlet WKTV shared footage showing smoke billowing into the sky above the snowy landscape post the explosion and ensuing fire at the church.
Multiple fire trucks equipped with hoses and ladders were visible at the scene of the fire near the village of Boonville in Oneida County, New York.
The Grace Church Utica in New York’s Facebook page acknowledged the incident and urged followers to pray for those impacted by the tragedy at Abundant Life Church on SR 12 in Boonville.
A separate post on the Abundant Life Facebook page addressed the situation, stating that the pastor and another congregation member had contacted a propane company regarding a gas leak before the explosion, resulting in burns that required medical attention but were expected to recover physically.
The church, established in 1987, suffered extensive damage from the fire and explosion, prompting calls for support and prayers for peace for Pastor Brandon and MaeLeah.
