Man drives car full of explosives into a Portland athletic club

U.S. newsMan drives car full of explosives into building of Oregon athletic clubThe head of the explosives disposal unit for Portland Police described it as "the most complex scene" he has worked on in 13 years as a bomb technician.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Police shut down the block surrounding the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, Ore., on Saturday.Allison Barr / The Oregonian via APShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 3, 2026, 11:08 AM EDTBy Doha MadaniA popular local athletic club is closed in Portland, Oregon, after a man drove a car full of explosives and propane into the building on Saturday.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Authorities responded to the Multnomah Athletic Club just before 3 a.m., after employees reported a vehicle had crashed into the building and caught fire. The driver was found dead inside, according to the Portland Police Bureau. Portland Fire & Rescue arrived to control the blaze. The Portland Police Bureau's Explosive Disposal Unit was called in after evidence explosives was discovered on scene. Investigators found multiple incendiary devices, improvised explosive devices and propane tanks, according to police. Some had partially detonated; others were in "varying states of activation," police said. Officer Jim DeFrain, who leads the explosive disposal unit, said his team was still processing more than 14 hours after being called in. Robots were deployed as a remote precaution given the risk that remaining devices could still be triggered — though DeFrain acknowledged the technology has its limits."I've been a bomb technician here in the city for over 13 years," DeFrain said. "This is by far the most complex scene that I've ever dealt with."FBI agents and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives personnel are assisting local police.Portland Police Chief Bob Day described the incident as “isolated” and said he does not believe it...