Church Destroyed in Massive Explosion After Record Snowfall Crushes Roof in Boonville New York

Boonville Church Destroyed After Propane Explosion Caused by Record Breaking Snowfall

Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville, New York, was destroyed in a catastrophic explosion on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after record breaking snowfall caused the roof to buckle and rupture a propane fuel line.

Five people were injured in the blast, including Pastor Brandon Pitts, 43, and Boonville Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr., 60. Three firefighters were also hurt: Nicholas Amicucci, 43, and Richard Czajka, 71, both listed in critical condition at Upstate Hospital, and Allan Austin, 67, who was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica.

According to New York State Police investigators, the explosion occurred when fire department personnel entered the church basement to locate the electrical panel. The furnace activated, igniting propane gas that had been leaking from the damaged fuel line.

A propane fuel line was damaged due to roof slumping caused by heavy snow.

New York State Police investigators

Boonville has experienced historic snowfall this season, shattering the 200 inch seasonal mark for the first time in over 15 years. The town reached 221.3 inches total, surpassing the previous record of 213.1 inches set in the 2008 to 2009 season.

The church on State Route 12 sustained what officials described as "catastrophic damage" and is considered a total loss. Despite the devastation, the congregation announced plans to gather for Sunday services at a local high school gymnasium.

Fire Chief Dean Yauger noted the outpouring of community support.

There are some fundraisers that have been established on social media... by local people.

Fire Chief Dean Yauger

Five Injured Including Pastor and Fire Chief in Boonville New York Church Propane Explosion

Pastor Pitts was released from the hospital after treatment, but Amicucci and Czajka remained in critical condition. The four individuals in the basement at the time of the explosion included the fire chief and three firefighters who had responded to reports of structural concerns at the church.

The Boonville community has rallied around the church and the injured, with multiple fundraisers launched on social media to support the victims and their families.

The Crusader's Opinion

When a church is destroyed, the enemy celebrates. But here is what the devil did not count on: the body of Christ does not live inside four walls. Abundant Life Fellowship lost its building, but not one ounce of its faith. That congregation was back together within days, worshipping in a high school gym, because the Church is the people, not the property.

Let us also honor the firefighters who ran into that building to protect God's house. Two of them are still fighting for their lives. Pray for Nicholas Amicucci and Richard Czajka by name. And then do something about it.

Take Action

• Pray daily for the full recovery of Nicholas Amicucci and Richard Czajka, who remain in critical condition, and for Pastor Brandon Pitts and the other injured.
• Search for and donate to the Boonville church explosion fundraisers on social media platforms like GoFundMe to support the victims and their families directly.
• Reach out to Abundant Life Fellowship Church through their social media pages to offer words of encouragement and let them know the body of Christ stands with them.
• Contact your local church leadership about organizing a special offering or support drive for the Boonville congregation as they rebuild.
• Support The Shepherd's Shield to help persecuted and displaced Christian communities around the world.