An explosion in downtown Portland was cause for concern by downtown residents. Police and Fire officials are investigating an explosion early Sunday that destroyed at least one food cart and shattered windows on nearby buildings. It is reported that it happened near the intersection of Southwest Fifth Avenue and Harvey Milk Street.
The latest information reported is that police were not investigating the explosion as a crime. Instead, a propane tank may have been the root of the explosion. Police said they did not locate anyone with injuries, despite a number of shattered windows around the intersection. Fire investigators said there is no indication at this time that a device caused the damage. While they work to determine the cause, firefighters said there is no ongoing danger to the community.
One resident who works in one of the pods was shocked to see the area. She said authorities let her know about the explosion. She had worked at the pod, on a parking surface owned by a family but operated by a company called Reef, until 11:30 p.m. Saturday, she said.
Some residents and visitors said they could feel the blast from blocks away. It shook the buildings. The explosion woke up people. Some said they weren’t sure if it was an earthquake. The sentiments of some is that there must be better steps taken by the city government to make downtown safe. Other day the leaders should do something about vagrancy in the city
The mayor told media that his office was closely monitoring the downtown incident. It was also reported that no one and are grateful no one was hurt. There is ongoing vandalism and issues of public health throughout the downtown area.
