On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, an explosion destroyed the Abundant Life Fellowship church in Boonville, New York. After receiving reports of a strange smell inside the building from the pastor of the Abundant Life Fellowship, Brandon Pitts, the fire department responded to investigate. Upon the fire department’s arrival, the furnace in the basement suddenly turned on, heating the propane cylinders that heat the church. It is suggested that this ignited the gas, causing the powerful explosion.
The Abundant Life Fellowship History
The Abundant Life Fellowship started in 1985 in a small restaurant, The Alpine, in Constableville, New York. Dan Tabolt, a pastor from Beaver Falls, NY, felt called to plant a church in Constableville, which was built on the site of the Abundant Life Fellowship Church. Over the years, the Abundant Life Fellowship grew in number and bought its first building on State Route 12 on the northern side of Boonville in 1987, allowing the church to continue to grow. In 1999, members of Abundant Life Fellowship decided to expand their facility due to their growing membership. 20 years later, in 2019, the church celebrated its 20th anniversary in this building. However, the explosion had major effects on the church and its community.
Casualties and Medical Response
According to state police, both the firefighters and the pastor were in the basement, attempting to fix the situation as the heating system was activated. The force of the explosion was so strong that one of the firefighters on the first floor was hurled against the wall, attempting to ventilate the building. As a result of the explosion, five individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Although all casualties are listed as in critical condition, they are currently stable. These victims include:
- David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville fire chief, was transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Brandon Pitts, 43, pastor of the church, was transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Allan Austin, 67, of the Boonville Fire Department, was transported to Wynn Hospital.
- Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville Fire Department, was transported to Upstate Hospital.
- Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville Fire Department, was transported to Upstate Hospital.
According to the Oneida County Executive, Anthony Picente, he stated about the church explosion:
“I am deeply saddened by the explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship church in the Town of Boonville and am praying for all those impacted by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured. I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others. Oneida County is in close communication with local officials and emergency services, and we stand ready to provide any assistance needed as the investigation continues. I urge motorists to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to do their critical work.”
Structural Damage and Impact
The explosion caused extensive structural damage to the church, with the building considered destroyed, and debris
left behind. Currently, State Route 12 near Potato Hill has been closed to traffic and will remain closed until investigators complete their on-site investigation. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente recommends that many motorists avoid this area until further notice.
Community Impact and Response
In a nearby Methodist church on Route 12, they opened their doors to members of the Abundant Life Church following the explosion. Approximately 35 community members gathered to pray for those who were injured during the explosion and for the fire crew at the scene. This gathering lasted a few hours as church members provided food and prayer for firefighters who remained at the ruins to extinguish hotspots.
“God’s going to take care of us … This is just … a building … So we can rebuild and keep going. And there’s a lot of unity in this village and this community.”
