One person died in a fiery crash at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, Oregon, early Saturday, and police said explosive devices were found at the scene, including some that detonated, according to authorities.
Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day told reporters the incident appeared to be isolated and said it happened shortly before 3 a.m. at the club, which the facility says is the largest private athletic and social club in the United States and was founded in 1891.
Police said the person who died was found inside the vehicle after the fire was contained, but authorities did not provide many details during a Saturday afternoon news conference.
During that briefing, Jim DeFrain, a police officer who supervises the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit, said investigators found propane tanks among the items discovered. DeFrain said investigators believe the explosive materials were brought to the club by the vehicle.
In a statement, the club’s spokesperson, Adam Linnman, said the crash occurred when the facility was closed. Linnman also said that no club members or staff were injured.
The investigation continued as authorities described the scene and the findings, including the presence of explosive devices and the circumstances around the vehicle’s impact.