A disgruntled former employee was killed early Saturday after slamming a car packed with explosives into a luxury athletic club in Portland, Ore., causing millions of dollars in damage.
The ex-worker, who has not been publicly identified, reportedly used a rented Nissan Rogue packed with propane tanks and pipe bombs in the fiery incident at the Multnomah Athletic Club.
The man drove around the athletic club and detonated the bombs, some of which failed to explode, and “completely destroyed” its first floor, The Oregonian reported.
Emergency responders extinguished the blaze around 3 a.m., and the Portland Police Department is investigating. The driver was found dead inside his car.
“PPB’s Explosive Disposal Unit responded after evidence of an explosive device was found in the vehicle,” The Portland police said in a statement.
The Multnomah Athletic Club, which was founded in 1891, announced it would remain closed as authorities conducted their investigation.
“The MAC will remain closed until further notice to allow law enforcement to complete its work and for our team to assess the damage,” the club said in a statement on its website.
The MAC boasts of being the largest athletic club in America, with more than 21,000 members, and individual dues are $280.11 a month and $422.34 per month for families.
Its multi-story main clubhouse features swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise studios, a weight room, and multiple ballrooms, according to its website.
MAC General Manger Charles Verton told members that no employees or members were injured in the attack.
Members of the club were asked to avoid the area while authorities investigated.
The first floor of the club housed a restaurant, lounge, retail store, and event spaces, which overlook the city’s Providence Park.
Photos from the scene show caution tape blocking off the road and police cars lined up outside the sprawling facility.
The assault came less than a month after another vehicle crashed through the front entrance of the athletic club on April 8. A security guard was injured in that crash.
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