Portland’s Multnomah Athletic Club has surprised members with its speedy recovery efforts as it reopens shortly after a former employee’s car exploded causing damage.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Multnomah Athletic Club in Southwest Portland has reopened after nearly two weeks of the pandemic. car explosion Causes extensive damage to buildings.
Authorities said former employee Bruce Whitman, 49, drove through the club’s front door earlier this month. The vehicle was packed with explosives, including 20 propane tanks and 10 pipe bombs. Whitman died after some dynamite exploded.
On Wednesday, the club begins Phase 1 of reopeningallowing members to return for the first time since the explosion.
“This is my gym; this is where I work out. I love playing basketball and going to restaurants with my friends, so I’m excited to be back,” Andrew Keller said.
General manager Charles Leverton said members had played an important role in helping the club reopen quickly. When the doors reopened, about 50 people were waiting to get in, he said.
Some members said the closure disrupted long-standing routines.
“This is my routine. I’m here five days a week,” said member Scott Kress. “All of a sudden, it disappeared. It only lasted about ten days. You’d have thought I’d lost my best friend or something.”
Others said they were surprised by how quickly clubs reopened.
“I was shocked. I thought the club was going to be closed a lot longer than it actually was,” Keller said.
Another member said: “It’s great how quickly they bounced back considering what could have happened.”
“If that guy sets off these bombs, we won’t be able to get in here for a year,” said Mike Scheehan, another club member.
“We are extremely grateful for the extraordinary efforts of our employees, first responders, restoration crews, contractors and partners who made today possible,” Leverton said in a statement.
He went on to say they would prioritize the safety of members and staff before opening the rest of the sports club.
