Allentown, Pennsylvania, the explosion of a vehicle leaves at least 1 death, according to officials

At least one person was killed after the explosion of a car on Saturday night in the third largest city in Pennsylvania, resulting in a massive response from law enforcement and the involvement of officials. federal.

The Allentown Police Department said in a statement to Fox News that the blast had occurred around 9:30 pm. at the intersection of North Hall Street and West Turner Street.

"When the police arrived at the scene, they discovered that a car had exploded," the statement said. "We can confirm that there is at least one death."

Many residents of the city about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia reported hearing or feeling the big explosion, the Morning Call reports.

"The fire was crazy," Perodin told the newspaper. "The car was pretty much divided in two."

Perodin said that he was watching a movie with his wife when he heard the thunderous sound.

Neighbors told 69 News that there was more than one person in the car when it exploded, but officials have not yet released additional details.

the The FBI Field Office in Philadelphia said that he was investigating the incident. It is unclear what caused the explosion or who was the intended target.

"FBI staff responded to a blast in Allentown, working with our law enforcement partners to assess the situation and determine the cause, with public safety as a top priority ". "Anyone who has witnessed or received information about the blast that has not yet spoken to investigators is asked to contact us as soon as possible at 215-418-4000 or tips.fbi.gov."

The explosion, which caught the attention of county, state and federal authorities, provoked authorities or blocked the nearby residential area. About six blocks from the city center have been closed by the authorities, FOX29 said.

"We are asking that the public avoid the area from 7th to 8th Street and from Linden to the streets of Chew," police said. "We are also asking people who live in this area to shelter until further notice."

The Red Cross said it has set up a shelter for displaced residents.

"The Red Cross has opened a temporary shelter at Cleveland Elementary School, 424 N. 9th St., Allentown, for anyone displaced by the Saturday night police incident," the organization said on Twitter .