A powerful explosion — possibly originating in a vehicle parked outside a fertility clinic — rocked Palm Springs Saturday, heavily damaging the clinic and shattering windows at multiple other businesses, with residents reporting feeling the force of the blast miles away.
There was no immediate confirmation of injuries, although there were unconfirmed reports of at least one fatality and at least two other people taken to hospitals. A video posted online by a witness showed what appeared to be a body near the blast scene.
The blast occurred around 11 a.m. in the 1100 block of North Indian Canyon Drive, either in or near an American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic which was extensively damaged. Some reports indicated the blast may have been a car explosion in a vehicle parked near the clinic.
A heavily damaged vehicle was visible near the scene, but it remained unclear if it was the source of the blast or if it was just damaged by the explosion.
Video posted online by witnesses showed debris scattered in the street in front of the clinic and windows shattered at multiple businesses in the area. Residents also reported online feeling the shaking from the blast throughout the city.
The American Reproductive Centers facility is not believed to have been open at the time of the blast. According to the business’ website, the clinic is the Coachella Valley’s “first and only full-service fertility center and IVF (in vitro fertilization) lab.” Its services also include LGBTQ family building, egg donation and freezing, fertility evaluations and embryo transfer.