An explosion rocked the Abundant Life Fellowship Church on State Route 12 in Boonville, New York, injuring five people. New York State Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Officials said emergency crews were called to the scene at around 10:23 am (US time) following reports of a gas smell inside the church. Witnesses later told investigators they had detected the odour shortly before the blast occurred.
🚨Reported injuries after explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, New York.
The church’s office manager is named Lydia Huntress. She and her husband, Andrew, and a few other responders were in the building at the time of the explosion,” Have burns that need… pic.twitter.com/trXwmVMIkH
— michelle selaty (@michelle_selaty) February 17, 2026
How Many Were Injured in New York Church Fire?
In a statement to Newsweek, state police confirmed that a Boonville firefighter was inside the church responding to the emergency when the explosion occurred. Two individuals- the firefighter and a civilian- were reported to be in critical condition, while three others sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Officials said the blast caused catastrophic damage ot the church, effectively destroying the building. They added that there were no signs of foul play and noted that the structure was heated using propane cylinders.
Gas Leak Suspected in New York Church Fire
According to a statement shared by the church, a congregant revealed that the pastor and another member had contacted a propane company after noticing a suspected gas leak prior to the explosion.
Both were among those injured. The situation was described as still developing.
Authorities stated that the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with state police and fire officials continuing their work at the scene.
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Manisha Chauhan is a passionate journalist with 3 years of experience in the media industry, covering everything from trending entertainment buzz and celebrity spotlights to thought-provoking book reviews and practical health tips. Known for blending fresh perspectives with reader-friendly writing, she creates content that informs, entertains, and inspires. When she’s not chasing the next viral story, you’ll find her diving into a good book or exploring new wellness trends.
