BOONVILLE, NY – Abundant Life Church is picking up the pieces after an explosion injured five people, including four firefighters and the church’s pastor, and caused extensive damage to the building. The fire department responded to reports of a gas odor and explosion on Tuesday (Feb. 17).
The emergency call came in at 10:23 a.m. (EST). Several ambulance services were sent to the scene shortly thereafter, and civilians were advised to stay out of the area so more emergency vehicles could respond as needed.
Pastor Brandon Pitts was one of five individuals transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition. According to the website for Abundant Life Church, Pastor Pitts came to serve the congregation in Boonville as a staff member in 2009. He was installed as a pastor of the church in 2013. Brandon Pitts took on the role of lead pastor of Abundant Life Church in 2019.
Tuesday’s explosion rocked the Boonville community and Oneida County at large as one of the firefighters critically injured was Boonville Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr. Allan Austin, Nicholas Amicucci, and Richard Czajka were also members of the fire department who were injured by the blast.
Anthony Picenete, Oneida County Executive, released a statement regarding the explosion at Abundant Life Church on Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. (EST).“I am deeply saddened by the explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship church in the Village of Boonville and am praying for all those impacted by this tragic incident,” the county executive said.
“Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured,” Picenete continued. “I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others.”
“Oneida County is in close communication with local officials and emergency services, and we stand ready to provide any assistance needed as the investigation continues. I urge motorists to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to do their critical work.”