Explosion Rips Through New York Church, Injuring Pastor and Firefighters

Propane leak believed to have caused blast that destroyed much of Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A pastor and five others, including firefighters, were recovering from their injuries after a massive explosion ripped through a church in the U.S. state of New York, officials said. The explosion occurred at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, a village of about 2,000 people, and was believed to have been caused by a damaged propane fuel line that allowed gas to accumulate inside the structure before igniting.

Why it matters

Church explosions and fires are relatively rare but can have devastating impacts on local communities. This incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols for heating systems, especially in older buildings, to prevent such catastrophic events. The injuries to the pastor and first responders also underscore the risks they face when responding to emergencies.

The details

Investigators determined that heavy snow had caused part of the roof to sag, compromising the propane line and allowing gas to accumulate inside the church. When the furnace activated, the gas ignited, triggering what officials described as a 'catastrophic' blast that destroyed much of the building. Among those injured were the church's pastor, Brandon Pitts, 43; Boonville Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr., 60; and three firefighters — Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Richard Czajka, 71, and Allan Austin, 67.

  • The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time on February 19, 2026.

The players

Brandon Pitts

The 43-year-old pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship Church.

David Pritchard Jr.

The 60-year-old Boonville Fire Chief.

Nicholas Amicucci

A 43-year-old firefighter who was injured in the blast.

Richard Czajka

A 71-year-old firefighter who was injured in the blast.

Allan Austin

A 67-year-old firefighter who was injured in the blast.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Terry Hitt, Church deacon (Local media)

“They have burns that need medical attention, but I think everyone will be just fine physically.”

— Lydia, Church member (Social media)

What’s next

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as crews continue to assess the damage to the church building.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols for heating systems in older buildings, as well as the risks that first responders face when responding to emergencies. The resilience and faith of the church community, however, provide a hopeful example of how communities can come together in the face of adversity.