A horror scene unfolded overnight in Oregon after a driver crashed into an athletic club and caught fire, before authorities found evidence of an explosive device inside.
An unidentified driver, believed to be a former employee of the club, drove through the front entrance of the Multnomah Athletic Club in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland on Saturday, according to the Portland Police Department.
The incident occurred just before 3am. The driver’s vehicle caught fire, and authorities rushed to control the flames.
The driver was then discovered to have died. The Explosive Disposal Unit later uncovered evidence of an explosive device.
Multiple streets in the area were closed amid the active investigation. Multnomah released a statement that the club would be closed until further notice ‘following a significant incident.’
‘All programs, services, and scheduled activities are canceled,’ the club added.
Two law enforcement sources told The Oregonian that the driver was a former ‘disgruntled employee’ of the club.
One of the sources added that investigators believe the employee rented a black Nissan Rogue on Friday to drive it into the building before setting off a series of explosive devices.
A ‘former disgruntled employee’ reportedly crashed into a Portland athletics club overnight on Saturday
Police shut down several blocks near the crash during the investigation. Caution tape was also seen near the club
The explosives were believed to be a mix of propane tanks and pipe bombs. Only some detonated, and authorities distinguished the blaze, according to The Oregonian.
One of the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the building’s ground floor was ‘completely destroyed’ and sustained ‘millions of dollars in damages.’
Club management notified members via email that no employees were injured in the incident and advised them to steer clear of the premises until further notice.
Photos after the crash, shared by local Fox affiliate, KPTV, showed caution tape surrounding the club.
Bizarrely, this is not the first time a car has crashed into the Multnomah this month. On April 8, a driver sideswiped a car and veered into the club’s property.
A security guard walking on the sidewalk suffered a lower leg injury. Photos of the scene depicted a grey vehicle lodged under a metal staircase on top of a planter box.
Police said at the time that they did not suspect the crash was a result of criminal activity. It does not appear that the two instances are related.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Portland Police Bureau for more information.
