Police say 1 dead, explosive device found after vehicle crash into Portland’s Multnomah Athletic Club

Police say they found an explosive device in a vehicle that crashed into a prominent social club in Southwest Portland early Saturday morning.

One person is dead following the crash, and several streets surrounding the Multnomah Athletic Club were closed Saturday as the city’s explosive disposal unit worked with federal law enforcement on the the investigation.

The MAC, a 135-year-old membership organization that overlooks the Providence Park soccer stadium, canceled all programs, services and scheduled activities until further notice.

“Please do not come to the club or surrounding areas at this time,” staff wrote on MAC social media Saturday morning. They said they will share more information when it becomes available.

The crash, just before 3 a.m. Saturday, marks the second time in a month that a vehicle struck the Goose Hollow club, which houses athletic facilities, banquet space and restaurants.

In the previous crash, on April 8, a car hit a planter box and a security guard, but damage and injuries were minor and the driver stayed at the scene through an investigation, according to KGW TV.

Saturday’s crash was more severe, according to early reports. A vehicle crashed through the club’s front entrance, at 1849 SW Salmon St., and caught fire. After the fire was controlled, responders found a person dead inside the vehicle, according to Portland police. Evidence of an explosive device was also found, police said.

The police department is asking people to avoid the area Saturday as officers investigate, and said it has Southwest 18th Avenue from Taylor to Madison, and Southwest 20th Avenue from Morrison to Madison.

Max light rail service near the club was disrupted for several hours Saturday morning, but trains were again running through the area by shortly after 8 a.m., although transit agency TriMet said delays could persist for several hours.

This story may be updated.