Terror in Palm Springs as one person dies and four are injured in car blast near fertility clinic
Firefighters are responding to a powerful 'car explosion' at a building in Palm Springs that injured four people and killed one on Saturday in an incident the FBI called an 'intentional act of terrorism'.
The blast occurred shortly before 11am at the American Reproductive Centers on North Indian Canyon Drive, and it was felt up to two miles away.
Authorities did not confirmed whether the explosion was accidental or intentional, but Lt William Hutchinson told The Desert Sun that there appeared to be at least one fatality, and 'everything is in question'.
Act of 'terrorism': The blast occurred at around 11am on North Indian Canyon Drive
Multiple witnesses reported hearing a loud boom, and dramatic videos shared on social media showed the explosion had shattered windows of a nearby liquor store.
NBC Palm Springs described the incident as a 'car explosion', although officials were yet to confirm the cause or release additional details.
California Attorney Bilal 'Bill' Essayli said on X that his office was aware of the Palm Springs explosion and confirmed the FBI's on the scene investigating whether it was an intentional act, with more details to be released once confirmed.
Governor Gavin Newsom's been briefed on the blast, according to a statement from his office: 'The state, through [California Governor's Office of Emergency Services] is coordinating with local and federal authorities to support the response.'
Dr Maher Abdallah of the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic confirmed to The Associated Press that his facility was among the properties damaged in the blast. He said all staff members were safe and accounted for.
The explosion impacted the office area used for patient consultations but did not harm the IVF laboratory or any of the stored embryos.
'I really have no clue what happened,' Abdallah said. 'Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.'
The FBI told reporters that the person killed was close to the vehicle that had been blown to pieces outside the clinic.
Graphic images from the scene seem to show charred human remains.
Palm Springs police and fire services urged residents to avoid the area so emergency crews could continue to manage the scene.
Witness videos: Multiple observers reported hearing a loud boom, and dramatic clips shared on social media showed how the blast shattered nearby windows
The explosion occurred near to but not on the grounds of Palm Springs' main hospital Desert Regional Medical Center, according to a spokesperson.
American Reproductive Centers offered fertility treatments but did not perform abortions. According to its website, the building housed the Coachella Valley's first and only full-service fertility clinic and in vitro fertilization lab.
The hospital remained fully operational, according to spokesperson Rich Ramhoff.
Nearby resident Matt Spencer told The Desert Sun that he was at home in his apartment just 200 yards away when the explosion happened.
When Spencer walked over to the center, he was stunned by the destruction and disturbed by what looked like body parts scattered at close quarters.
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