Here is the statement read by Police Chief Tony Alsleben at a news conference on Sunday, September 30 at 4:00pm at Seventh & Linden streets...

Last night at approximately 9:30pm, officers responded to a call of an explosion on the corner of Hall and Turner streets.  The scene was evacuated immediately and secured.

After the explosion, a shelter in place order was issued for the safety of our residents as well as to preserve the crime scene.

At this time, the investigation is on-going and we ask for your patience as the investigators continue to attempt to identify the victims, the motive and speak to any and all witnesses.

With the combined efforts of the PA State Police, ATF and FBI, we have determined there is no further threat to the public and our investigation is leading us to believe this was an isolated incident.

The area surrounding the crime scene which is located between 6th & 9th, Chew to Linden will continue to be held until investigators have finished their crime scene analysis.

ATF is taking the lead of this investigation, but we along with the FBI are remaining on scene to assist with processing the scene and any follow-up investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact 888-ATF-BOMB.

The American Red Cross will open East Side Youth Center at 9:00pm for those needing shelter tonight. The address of East Side Youth Center is 1140 East Clair Street, Allentown, 18109.  For those in need of transportation to the Center, please arrive at Cleveland Elementary School at 424 North 9th Street by 8:00pm for a shuttle bus to East Side Youth Center.

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Chief Alsleben was joined at the news conference by U.S. Attorney William McSwain, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin, Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim, Mayor Ray O'Connell and representatives of the FBI and ATF.

Grim confirmed there are three deceased males.  An autopsy will be conducted tomorrow.  No information was released concerning the identities of the victims.

A news conference will be scheduled tomorrow to provide updated information.

There will not be any trash & recycling collection Sunday night in the designated crime scene.  The next trash pick-up in that area is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3.  Residents are asked to hold their recycling until next Sunday, October 7.

photo: Harry Fisher mcall.com