By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A propane-related explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, New York, Tuesday morning injured five people.
• Two people, including a Boonville firefighter, are in critical condition at hospitals following the blast.
• Three additional individuals suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening, state police said.
• The church sustained catastrophic damage; officials say there’s no indication of criminal activity.
• New York State Police and fire departments are investigating the cause of the explosion.
BOONVILLE, N.Y. —
Authorities in Oneida County say five people were injured in an explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship Church on State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville Tuesday morning.
The New York State Police reported that first responders were called at about 10:23 a.m. after reports of a gas odor inside the church. A member of the Boonville Fire Department entered the building during the response when the explosion occurred, officials said.
Two people, including a firefighter, remain in critical condition at Wynn Hospital in Utica, while three others are being treated for injuries that authorities do not believe are life-threatening.
State police described the damage to the church as “catastrophic” and said the building was heated by propane cylinders. Law enforcement personnel reported no indication of criminal activity in connection with the incident.
Investigators from the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation are assisting with the examination of the scene. Traffic on State Route 12 remains closed near Potato Hill Road as emergency crews continue work.
Further updates will be released by authorities as more information becomes available.