By Greta Stuckey
syracuse.com
BOONVILLE, N.Y. — Five people, including a firefighter, were sent to the hospital Tuesday after an explosion at a church in Onedia County.
The explosion happened at the Abundant Life Fellowship church around 10:23 a.m. at 4930 block of State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville, according to Jack Keller, a spokesperson for State Police.
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First responders went to the church after reports of a gas odor inside. People inside the building reported smelling gas prior to the explosion.
The church posted on its Facebook and said their pastor and another congregation member were present at church and had called the propane company due to the smell of a gas leak.
A member of the Boonville Fire Department entered the church during the response. While inside, the explosion occurred, troopers said.
A total of five individuals were taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica for treatment.
Two people, a Boonville firefighter and a 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.
The church sustained catastrophic damage, troopers said.
At this time, there is no indication of criminal activity. The church was reportedly heated by propane cylinders. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, troopers said.
State Police and fire departments are on State Route 12. Traffic is closed in both directions at Potato Hill Road and Kerwin Road. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
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