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11 hours ago
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At least one person is dead after a car exploded near a reproductive facility in Palm Springs, California, according to local authorities.
Palm Springs Police spokesperson Mike Villegas told reporters the car explosion was “an intentional act of violence” but the investigation is ongoing.
Officials did not immediately say whether or not the person who died was associated with the car, but a facility official said all of the building’s staff were safe and physically unharmed.
At least also five people were injured in the explosion, ABC7 reported, citing law enforcement sources.
“Everything is in question, whether this is an act of terrorism,” Palm Springs police lieutenant William Hutchinson told the Desert Sun .
A social media account belonging to Palm Springs’ city government said Saturday that the explosion happened at 11am local time, and that residents were being asked to avoid the area around North Indian Canyon Drive near East Tachevah Drive.
The Desert Sun reported that the explosion could be felt as far as 2 miles (3km) away after it occurred by the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on their way to the scene to help assess what happened, according to spokesperson Nicole Lozano.
The US attorney Bill Essayli of the central district of California weighed in on the explosion, saying on X: “We are aware of the explosion that occurred this morning in Palm Springs. FBI is on scene and will be investigating whether this was an intentional act. We will release as much information as possible once we are able to confirm details.”
Dr Maher Abdallah, who runs the American Reproductive Centers where the explosion happened, told the Associated Press in a phone interview that all of his staff were safe and accounted for.
The explosion damaged the practice’s office space, where it conducts consultations with patients. The blast did not harm the in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab and all 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.”
In a separate statement on Facebook, the ARC said: “We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected … ARC will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have. We appreciate the incredible support from our patients and local community, as well as the swift action of Palm Springs Police, Fire, and emergency responders.”
Video posted on X by former Fox News correspondent Rick Leventhal showed extensive damage outside the facility.
Nima Tabrizi, 37, of Santa Monica, said he had been inside a cannabis dispensary nearby when he felt a massive explosion.
“The building just shook, and we go outside and there’s massive cloud smoke,” Tabrizi said. “Crazy explosion. It felt like a bomb went off ... We went up to the scene, and we saw human remains.”
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, has also been briefed on the explosion, writing on X: “Jen [his wife] and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts. The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds. Please avoid the area.”
Palm Springs is a tony community in the desert about a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, known for upscale resorts and a history of celebrity residents.
More details soon …
The Associated Press contributed reporting
