BOONVILLE, NY — Five people were injured when a propane explosion destroyed a church Saturday in Oneida County.
New York State Police said the blast occurred at Abundant Life Fellowship church on State Route 12 while firefighters were responding to a gas leak.
Investigators determined a propane fuel line was damaged due to roof slumping caused by heavy snow accumulation.
Fire department personnel were attempting to locate the electrical panel to shut off power to the building prior to addressing the propane leak when the explosion occurred, police said.
Four individuals were in the basement when the furnace activated, triggering the explosion.
One firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the structure and was thrown against a wall by the blast.
David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville fire chief, is listed in fair condition at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
Brandon Pitts, 43, pastor of the church, is listed in fair condition at Upstate University Hospital.
Nicholas Amicucci, 43, of Boonville, is listed in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital.
Richard Czajka, 71, of Boonville, is listed in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital.
Allan Austin, 67, of Boonville, was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica.
The church sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed.
Police said there is no indication of criminal activity at this time.
