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State Police Update on
Investigation into Church Explosion in Boonville
Published: February 18, 2026
at 10:50 a.m.
By: Press Release
from New York State Police
Update: State Police Investigating Explosion at
Boonville Church
The New York
State Police continue to investigate the explosion at the Abundant Life
Fellowship church located on the 4930 block of
State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville, Oneida County.
The investigation
indicates that a propane fuel line was damaged due to roof slumping caused
by heavy snow accumulation. Fire department personnel were attempting to
locate the electrical panel to shut off power to the building prior to
addressing the propane leak when the explosion occurred.
Four individuals
were in the basement when the furnace activated, triggering the explosion.
One firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the
structure and was thrown against a wall by the blast.
The following
individuals are currently being treated at Upstate University Hospital in
Syracuse:
- David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire
Chief, is listed in fair condition.
- Brandon Pitts, 43, Pastor of the church, is
listed in fair condition.
- Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville FD, is
listed in critical condition.
- Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville FD, is listed
in critical condition.
A fifth
individual, Allan Austin, age 67, Boonville Fire Department, was
transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica.
The church
sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed.
There is no
indication of criminal activity at this time. The
investigation remains active and ongoing.
Updates will be
provided as additional information becomes available.
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