![New York State Police are investigating an explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church on State Route 12 in the town of Boonville, New York, that left five people injured Tuesday morning. [WKTV]](https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Copy-of-32-image-2.png?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1)
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By Mandy Taheri, Gabe Whisnant, and Joshua Rhett Miller
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New York State Police are investigating an explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, New York, that left five people injured Tuesday morning.
Authorities said first responders were dispatched at about 10:23 a.m. after reports of a gas odor inside the church, and witnesses told investigators they smelled gas before the explosion.
Newsweek left voicemail messages with Oneida County Emergency Services, the Abundant Life Fellowship and the Oneida Sheriff's Department for more information on Tuesday.
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In a statement to Newsweek, the state police said: "A member of the Boonville Fire Department entered the structure during the response. While inside, an explosion occurred."
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Five people were transported to the Wynn Hospital in Utica for treatment, police said.
"Two individuals, a Boonville Firefighter and one civilian, are listed in critical condition. The remaining three individuals are being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening at this time," police said in a statement.
The church suffered catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed, officials said, adding that there is no indication of criminal activity and that the building was heated by propane cylinders. Videos of the explosion show high flames and plumes of dark smoke.
In a statement, the church noted that some of those injured have burns. A congregant said the pastor and another member had called a propane company to report an apparent gas leak before the explosion and were among those injured, describing the incident as a developing situation.
Where Is Abundant Life Fellowship Church?
The church is off State Route 12 in Boonville, Oneida County, New York. The church is non-denominational.
How Many People Were Injured?
The police said five people were transported to the hospital. It is not clear what injuries they have and the severity, but burns are expected.
What Caused the Explosion?
The cause of the explosion is under investigation and members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Uniform Force were on the scene. The church said in a statement that "reports of a gas leak and explosion at the church a short while ago. This is 'a developing story,' as they say, and not "necessarily 100% accurate."
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Update 2/17/26, 1:15 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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