A small New York community is reeling after a devastating explosion tore through a local church Tuesday morning, injuring multiple people — including the church’s pastor — and leaving a firefighter in critical condition.
The blast occurred at approximately 10:23 a.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, sending flames and thick smoke into the sky. Photos from the scene showed the church engulfed in fire as emergency crews rushed to respond.
In a statement shared to Facebook, church officials said the explosion appeared to be the result of an “obvious gas leak,” though authorities have not yet confirmed the cause. Investigators are continuing to examine the scene.
According to the church, Pastor Brandon Pitts was inside the building at the time of the explosion, along with another congregation member and several first responders. Pitts suffered burns that require medical attention, the church said, but added that he and others injured “will be fine.”
The situation is more serious for one local firefighter who had entered the building before the explosion occurred. The firefighter was hospitalized and listed in critical condition, according to Spectrum News.
Helicopters were deployed to airlift victims to nearby hospitals as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze and secure the area.
Authorities have not released the total number of people injured, and it remains unclear how extensive the damage is beyond the visible destruction to the church building.
As the investigation continues, members of the tight-knit community are focusing on prayers and support for those hurt in the sudden and shocking incident. Further updates are expected as officials confirm additional details.
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