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.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.