1 dead after vehicle crashes into Oregon health club, police say
Fiery Crash at Portland Health Club Leaves One Dead, Explosive Devices Found
PORTLAND, Ore. — One person is dead following a fiery crash at a health club early Saturday in Portland, Oregon, according to authorities who also said explosive devices — some of which had detonated — were found.
Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day told reporters this appeared to be an isolated event. It occurred shortly before 3 a.m. at the Multnomah Athletic Club. The facility bills itself as the largest private athletic and social club in the U.S., founded in 1891 and boasting more than 21,000 members.
Police said the person who died was found inside the vehicle after the fire was contained. But details shared by local and federal law enforcement during a Saturday afternoon news conference were sparse.
Jim DeFrain, a police officer and supervisor of the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit, said propane tanks were among the items found. He said investigators believe the explosive materials were brought in by the vehicle.
A club spokesperson, Adam Linnman, in a statement, said the crash occurred when the club was closed and that no club members or staff were injured.
A tragic incident occurred at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, Oregon, in the early hours of Saturday morning. Authorities reported that a fiery crash resulted in the death of one person, with the discovery of explosive devices at the scene.
Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day addressed the media, stating that this appeared to be an isolated event that took place around 3 a.m. The Multnomah Athletic Club is known as the largest private athletic and social club in the U.S., boasting a membership of over 21,000 individuals since its establishment in 1891.
Details surrounding the fatality were limited, with law enforcement officials revealing that the deceased individual was found inside the vehicle after the fire had been extinguished. Jim DeFrain, a police officer overseeing the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit, mentioned that propane tanks were among the hazardous materials discovered, indicating that the explosives were likely brought in by the vehicle.
A club spokesperson, Adam Linnman, issued a statement confirming that the crash occurred outside of the club’s operating hours, ensuring that no members or staff were harmed during the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading up to the tragic event and the presence of explosive devices at the health club.
