A powerful explosion — possibly originating in a vehicle outside a fertility clinic — rocked Palm Springs Saturday, heavily damaging the clinic while apparently killing one person and shattering windows at multiple other businesses.
There was no official word of injuries, Palm Springs police Lt. William Hutchinson told the Desert Sun at the scene there appeared to be at least one fatality. An image 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 if not completely destroyed.
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.
Hutchinson told the Desert Sun, “Everything is in question, whether this is an act of terrorism.”
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.
Assemblyman Greg Wallis, R-Rancho Mirage, posted on X, “I’m aware of the alarming explosion in Palm Springs and my heart goes out to all those affected. I’m working with law enforcement to understand this tragedy as it unfolds. ”
Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Palm Desert, also said his office was monitoring the situation.