5 injured, church 'destroyed' after explosion causes 'catastrophic damage': Police

A pastor and at least four firefighters were injured in an explosion at a New York church that resulted in "catastrophic damage" to the building on Tuesday, according to officials.

Abundant Life Fellowship Church is considered "destroyed," New York State Police said.

According to a preliminary investigation, four people were in the basement of the church when the furnace activated, triggering an explosion. Another firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the building at the time of the explosion and was thrown against the wall, according to police. ---More...

???? JUST IN: Churchgoers to be MEDEVACED after a devastating explosion in Boonville, NY, with as many as over a dozen casualties reported

Pray for everyone at Abundant Life Fellowship Church, this is terrifying ????????pic.twitter.com/pqbpyknsJT

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh)February 17, 2026

Pray for everyone at Abundant Life Fellowship Church, this is terrifying