A car explodes in Allentown, Pennsylvania; 3 dead, says the coroner

Three people were killed after a car explosion last night in downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, the author likely, said Sunday the authorities. Authorities have not published any information on the cause of Saturday 's blast, including it' s been a bombshell. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

"We know that there has been a criminal incident," District Attorney James Martin said at a press conference Sunday. "We are very confident that the author was probably killed in the incident."

Autopsies were scheduled Monday on the three men found dead after the explosion Saturday around 21:30. local time, said Sunday the county coroner of Lehigh, Scott Grim. Grim said that he would probably be able to release the names Monday once their identities will be confirmed and their families will be informed.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) takes the lead in the investigation, while the FBI and local authorities help. The FBI said that he did not think that he remained a threat to public safety.

"The forces of order are numerous," he added.

The blast occurred one block from the PPL Sports Arena and two blocks from the popular Hamilton Street dining hall in Allentown, a city of about 120,000 residents located in the city center. about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The block where it occurred is a mix of residences and small businesses, including a restaurant and bar.

Residents were asked to avoid the area and a shelter was installed at a nearby school. Authorities seek advice from the public to help solve the crime.

"I heard a big explosion, I ran to the window to see what it was, I did not see anything.But after, I saw the fire ", said witness Antonia Santiago at CBS Philadelphia. "People could not even get out their cars, it's crazy, it makes me nervous."

Resident Carlos Perodin told The Morning Call of Allentown that he was watching a movie with his wife when he heard an explosion of thunder and went to the scene.

"The fire was crazy," he says. "The car was pretty much divided in two."

Another witness to the consequences of the explosion, Stephanie Connelly, told The Morning Call that she had seen parts of the body scattered in the street.

"It's real life and I'm shaking and panicking as I run," she said.