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Update: State Police Investigating Explosion at
Boonville Church
Published: February 17, 2026
at 03:00 p.m.
By: Media Release
from New York State Police
Update: State Police Investigating Explosion at
Boonville Church
The New York
State Police continue to investigate the explosion that occurred this
morning at the Abundant Life Fellowship church located on the 4930 block of State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville, Oneida
County.
At approximately
10:23 a.m., first responders were dispatched following reports of a gas
odor inside the church. The preliminary investigation indicates that four
individuals were in the church's basement when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion. One firefighter was
on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the
explosion and was thrown against a wall.
Five individuals
were transported for medical treatment.
The injured
individuals are identified as:
- David Pritchard Jr., age 60, Boonville Fire
Chief, transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Brandon Pitts, age 43, Pastor of the church,
transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Allan Austin, age 67, Boonville Fire
Department, transported to Wynn Hospital.
- Nicholas Amicucci, age 43, Boonville Fire
Department, transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Richard Czajka, age 71, Boonville Fire
Department, transported to Upstate Hospital.
Hospital
officials advise that all five individuals are currently listed in critical
but stable condition.
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. Members of the New York State
Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation are present at the hospitals and on
scene, along with Uniform Force personnel.
Traffic Advisory:
NY-12 southbound at Potato Hill Road and northbound at Kerwin Road in the
Town of Boonville is closed due to the church explosion. The duration of
the closure is unknown at this time. Motorists are
advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Updates will be
provided as additional information becomes available.
ORIGINAL PRESS
RELEASE HERE
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