Local News
Multiple people injured after gas explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Boonville
BOONVILLE, N.Y. — Multiple emergency agencies responded Tuesday morning to reports of a gas odor and a possible explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church, located at 12644 State Route 12 in Boonville.
According to Oneida County 911 dispatch, the initial call was received at approximately 10:23 a.m. on February 17.
Callers reported smelling gas inside the building, followed by what was described as a possible explosion.
A large-scale emergency response was immediately initiated. Fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical units from several surrounding communities were dispatched to the scene, including the Boonville Fire Department, Boonville Ambulance, Remsen Fire Department, Barneveld Fire Department, Stittville Fire Department, Forestport Fire Department, and Kuyahoora Ambulance.
Law enforcement agencies responding included the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.
Additional medical support was provided by Northstar Ambulance, AmCare Ambulance, and Oneida County Emergency Services.
Reports indicate that six ambulances and two medical helicopters were requested to assist at the scene, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
As of this time, officials have not released confirmed information regarding injuries, the extent of structural damage, or the cause of the reported explosion.
Emergency personnel remain on-site conducting assessments and ensuring the safety of the area.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Authorities have begun identifying the victims of the devastating tornado that struck Union City, Michigan, on Friday afternoon, leaving multiple people dead and causing widespread destruction across several communities in southern Michigan.
A Branch County funeral home confirmed that 65-year-old Penni Jo Guthrie was among the victims killed when the powerful storm swept through Union City.
According to the funeral home, Guthrie died from injuries sustained when the tornado destroyed her home during the storm.
An official obituary has not yet been released, and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Officials say two other people also died in Union City when the suspected EF-3 tornado touched down in the small community.
The National Weather Service reported that the storm produced winds of at least 150 miles per hour, strong enough to level homes and cause catastrophic damage throughout the affected neighborhoods.
Search and recovery crews spent Saturday combing through debris fields, assisting residents in locating belongings, and beginning the long cleanup process.
Union City emergency management officials said operations have now shifted from active rescue efforts to recovery, as authorities continue to assess the full scope of the destruction.
Among those affected by the storm was Scott Johnson, a former Bellevue resident. According to reports from friends and community members, Johnson lost his wife, Keri Johnson, along with their home and nearly all of their personal belongings when the tornado tore through the Union Lake area outside Union City.
The severe weather outbreak also caused tragedy in Cass County, where a tornado resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy from the Edwardsburg area.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as Silas Anderson.
Sheriff Clint Roach said the Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call around 3:12 p.m. on March 6 reporting that a possible tornado had touched down in the 68000 block of Conrad Road, north of U.S. 12 in Edwardsburg, within Milton Township. The caller reported that their son was missing following the storm.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they located Silas Anderson, and his parents were already attempting to provide first aid.
The boy was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officials said Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
“It is with a heavy heart that we report that a young man from the Edwardsburg area has lost his life in a weather-related incident,” Sheriff Roach said in a statement, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy as they cope with the tragedy.
Severe weather also impacted St. Joseph County, where another tornado was reported in the Three Rivers area.
The storm caused significant structural damage, including ripping the roof off a Menards store. Video captured by residents shows the tornado scattering debris into the air and tearing apart nearby storage facilities.
In response to the widespread damage and loss of life, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, announced Saturday morning that she intends to declare a state of emergency for Branch County, Cass County, and St. Joseph County.
State and local officials continue to evaluate the damage while emergency crews work to assist residents, clear debris, and restore essential services in the communities affected by the powerful storm system.