Three men killed in Allentown car blast, including the perpetrator, authorities say

ALLENTOWN — At a news conference about a fiery car explosion in Center City Allentown, authorities on Sunday afternoon confirmed that three males died in what they called an "isolated incident." And they said they believe the perpetrator was killed in the blast.

The car exploded about 9:30 p.m. Saturday on the 700 block of Turner Street between North Seventh and Eighth streets, about a block away from the PPL Center. The explosion rocked the Center City and brought dozens of law enforcement agencies to Allentown to investigate, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as Allentown police, Lehigh County's district attorney, coroner and homicide task forces, plus fire police from throughout the county and state police.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said investigators believe one of the three dead males was a suspect in a "criminal matter" related to the explosion.

"We know there's been a criminal incident," Martin said. "We have a high degree of confidence that the perpetrator was probably killed in the incident."

Coroner Scott Grim confirmed three dead and said the investigation will be time-consuming, echoing what other law enforcement officials said. Grim said the victims are being identified and families are being contacted, so he could potentially release the identities of the three males on Monday. Grim said autopsies also are slated to be performed Monday.

Steve McQueen, the FBI assistant special agent in charge of the investigation, said the agency brought all available assets and resources to the scene Saturday night and will remain on scene to assist for "as long as it takes."

"The safety of this community is the highest priority for all of us involved, and at this time, we believe there is no ongoing threat," he said.

ATF is taking the lead on the investigation, though the FBI, county agencies, and Allentown police will remain on scene — currently a large swath between Sixth and Ninth Streets, and Chew to Linden Streets.

"We're in the very early stages of this investigation," said Don Robinson, ATF special agent in charge. "It's a large scene, and we've got a lot of folks involved in scene work as well as interviews and follow-up."

The LANTA bus station in the 100 block of North Sixth Street became a makeshift command center with armored vehicles, dozens of police cruisers, mobile command units, and even portable restrooms.

Members of the ATF and FBI wearing protective suits combed the area to gather evidence, which was processed inside several portable tents erected near the scene of the explosion.

Robinson said authorities are looking for the public's help, and ask that anyone with  information call 888-ATF-BOMB (888-283-2662).