Church Explosion in Upstate New York: Gas Leak Suspected, Five Injured Including Firefighter

Authorities in New York are delving into an incident after an explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship church in Boonville left five individuals injured.

According to church officials, the pastor and a church member were on-site when they noticed “an obvious gas leak” and promptly contacted emergency services just before 10:30 a.m. local time.

The explosion took place while the pastor, the congregant, and a firefighter from the Boonville Fire Department were inside the church, as confirmed by both the church and the New York State Police.

Following the blast, five people were rushed to Wynn Hospital in Utica. Among them, the firefighter and a civilian are in critical condition, as reported by authorities.

The blast occurred at the Abundant Life Fellowship church located in Boonville, New York. (Source: Google Maps)

Three others are being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

New York State Police said the church sustained “catastrophic damage,” and the church noted the building was nearly fully engulfed in flames and smoke within 15 minutes of the explosion. 

The church was reportedly heated by propane cylinders, but the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, according to police.

An explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship church in Boonville, New York, on Feb. 17, 2026, left several injured, including a firefighter. (Google Maps)

Officials said there is no indication of criminal activity. 

Members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform Force remain at the scene assisting with the investigation.

“Please just pray for peace, especially for Pastor Brandon and MaeLeah,” the church wrote in a Facebook post. “And go ahead and lift a lot of praise for the Lord’s protection over all the things NOT happening at church at the time of this emergency.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responded to the tragedy on social media, noting she has been briefed.

“State Fire, EMS, and Office of Emergency Management personnel are on the scene,” Hochul wrote in an X post. “Praying for the full recovery of the five individuals injured.”

New York State Police and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.