One Dead After Vehicle Carrying Explosives Crashes Into Portland Athletic Club

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PORTLAND, Ore. — One person is dead after a vehicle crashed into the Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC) in downtown Portland early Saturday morning, with investigators discovering explosive devices—including propane tanks—inside the car, police said . The incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. local time at the private social and athletic club located at 1849 Southwest Salmon Street . The driver was found deceased inside the vehicle after firefighters extinguished the blaze .

Police and federal agents have confirmed that the driver, who has not yet been publicly identified, is believed to be a disgruntled former employee of the club, according to reports from The Oregonian . Investigators are looking into the possibility of mental health struggles as a contributing factor to the isolated incident .

🧨 Evidence of Bombs Found Inside Vehicle

Police and federal authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, swarmed the area after evidence of an explosive device was discovered in the wreckage . The Portland Police Bureau’s Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) responded to assess the scene and render the area safe .

Portland Police Chief Bob Day stated during a news conference that the event appears to be isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public . While most of the bombs did not fully detonate, reports indicate that some of the devices exploded during the crash . Officials believe the explosive materials were brought into the building by the vehicle .

💣 The Suspected Devices

Reports from the scene and law enforcement officials indicate that the car was packed with a combination of explosive materials:

• Propane Tanks: Large propane tanks were found among the debris .
• Pipe Bombs: Investigators reportedly found pipe bombs inside the vehicle, some of which had detonated .
• Undetonated Materials: Police confirmed that some explosive devices failed to go off .

🏛️ The Multnomah Athletic Club

Founded in 1891, the Multnomah Athletic Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious private athletic clubs in the United States, boasting over 21,000 members . The facility is massive, featuring swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise studios, a weight room, and multiple ballrooms .

The crash caused “millions of dollars” in damage, completely destroying the club’s first floor . The first floor housed a casual restaurant, formal event spaces, a members’ lounge, a retail store, and the front desk . Fortunately, the crash occurred when the club was closed; no employees, members, or bystanders were injured .

The club announced it will remain closed until further notice to allow law enforcement to complete its investigation and for staff to assess the structural damage .

⏳ Why It Feels Familiar: A Recent Pattern

This alarming incident comes just weeks after another dangerous crash at the same club. On April 8, a separate vehicle crashed through the front entrance of the Multnomah Athletic Club, injuring a security guard . The proximity of these two crashes has unnerved the local community, though investigators have not yet linked the two events and are treating Saturday’s explosion as an isolated incidence of a disgruntled ex-employee.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov .

As the investigation into this devastating explosion continues, authorities are working to identify the deceased and determine a definitive motive for the attack.

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