By: Laura Soukkavong
Boonsville, NY – An investigation continues by the New York State Police after an explosion occurred on Monday morning at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church on the 4900 block of State Route 12 in Boonsville, Oneida County.
At approximately 1023 hours, first responders were dispatched to reports of a gas odor inside the church. After preliminary findings indicated four individuals were in the church basement when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion. A firefighter located on the first floor was thrown against a wall by the blast to ventilate the building.
Three Boonville Fire Department members, including the Boonville Fire Chief and the church’s pastor, were all transported to an area hospital for treatment. Their conditions are listed as critical but in stable condition.
The church has sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed.
At this time, there is no indication of criminal activity. The investigation remains active and ongoing. State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation members, along with Uniform Force personnel, are assisting both at the scene and at the hospitals.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.