One person has been left dead after a vehicle exploded in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night.
Allentown police said the event occurred around 9.30pm at the intersection of North Hall Street and West Turner Street.
Police say that the explosion was ‘intentional’ and two people were injured – but are not ruling out that there have may be further injuries and fatalities.
The FBI Philadelphia Field office tweeted on Sunday morning that it is now investigating the incident.
One person has been left dead and two are injured after a vehicle exploded in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night (left and right). Allentown police said the event occurred around 9.30pm at the intersection of North Hall Street and West Turner Street
The FBI Philadelphia Field office tweeted on Sunday morning that it is now investigating the incident along with state and local authorities
‘FBI personnel have responded to the scene of an explosion in Allentown. We are working with our law enforcement partners to assess the situation & determine the cause, with public safety the Bureau’s highest priority,’ the tweet read.
‘Anyone who witnessed or has information on the blast who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact us as soon as possible at 215-418-4000 or http://tips.fbi.gov.’
Also helping the FBI in its investigation are Allentown authorities, Lehigh County authorities, state police, and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
There are a number of details that currently remain unclear including the conditions of the two injured people, how the explosion was caused or who the intended target was.
It is also unclear whether the person who was killed was in the car or was a passerby,
Resident Carlos Perodin told The Morning Call he was watching a movie with his wife when he heard the blast.
He told the newspaper said he could see flames from his house and went to go check it out.
A bus station was turned into a makeshift command center with police cruisers, armored cars and portable bathrooms. Additionally, evidence processing was conducted in a number of portable tents (pictured)
The American Red Cross said a temporary shelter was set up at Cleveland Elementary School for any displaced families. Pictured: Police join members of the ATF and the FBI as they investigate North Hall Street
‘The fire was crazy,’ he said. ‘The car was pretty much split in half.’
According to FOX29, about six blocks of the downtown area were closed off by officers.
The Morning Call reported that a bus station was turned into a makeshift command center with police cruisers, armored cars and portable bathrooms.
Additionally, evidence processing was conducted in a number of portable tents.
The American Red Cross said a temporary shelter was set up at Cleveland Elementary School for any displaced families.
Allentown is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia.