VIDEO: State police have released new information about Tuesday morning’s explosion at an Oneida County church.
Troopers now say that 5 people are in critical but stable condition at area hospitals.
First responders were called to the Abundant Life Fellowship Church located on the 4930 block of State Route 12 in the town of Boonville at around 10:25 a.m.
People inside the building reported smelling gas.
Members of the Boonville Fire Department entered the structure during the response.
Police said 3 firefighters and the church’s pastor were in the church’s basement when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion.
One firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the explosion and was thrown against a wall.
Police said the following people were injured:
David Pritchard Jr., age 60, Boonville Fire Chief, transported to Upstate Hospital.
Brandon Pitts, age 43, Pastor of the church, transported to Upstate Hospital.
Allan Austin, age 67, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Wynn Hospital.
Nicholas Amicucci, age 43, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital.
Richard Czajka, age 71, Boonville Fire Department, transported to Upstate Hospital.
