A vehicle crashed through the front entrance of a downtown Portland health club early Saturday morning, leaving one person dead inside the wreckage and prompting authorities to discover explosives stashed in the car.
Portland police and fire rescue responded to the Multnomah Athletic Club just before 3am after the vehicle smashed into the building and ignited. After firefighters controlled the blaze, investigators found a body in the car along with evidence of an explosive device, prompting an emergency call to an explosive disposal unit.
The driver was identified as a former employee of the club who had rented the vehicle Friday, according to sources cited by the Oregonian. Investigators described the individual as disgruntled and dealing with mental health issues. The former worker allegedly drove the car through the front entrance, circled the first floor of the facility, and detonated what authorities believe was a combination of propane tanks and pipe bombs.
The crash occurred during closed hours, preventing injuries to members or staff. The club's first floor contained a casual dining area, formal event spaces, a members' lounge overlooking Providence Park, a retail shop and front desk. Additional amenities throughout the facility included fitness rooms, swimming pools, a rock-climbing wall, indoor track, various sport courts and three restaurants.
Club spokesperson Adam Linnman confirmed no one was harmed and said the facility would remain closed pending the investigation. The club is cooperating with local and federal authorities leading the response.
Special agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined the investigation. The Multnomah Athletic Club, founded in 1891, is the largest private athletic and social club in the country with more than 21,000 members.
Author James Rodriguez: "A former employee turning a rented car into a weapon at his old workplace, with explosives no less, suggests a deeply disturbed person who had every opportunity to seek help before this tragic morning."
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