Explosion near Palm Springs fertility clinic leaves one dead amid significant damage

A powerful explosion near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday left one person dead and caused significant damage to surrounding buildings, according to local officials.

The blast, which occurred around 11 a.m. local time, is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte confirmed the explosion took place less than a mile from downtown, near a vehicle parked by the American Reproductive Centers clinic. The force of the blast reduced the vehicle to little more than an axle, authorities said. It remains unclear whether the deceased individual was connected to the explosion.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom followed by billowing smoke and shattered windows in nearby businesses. Claudio Chavez, an employee at a nearby upholstery shop, described the moment of impact. “I was just in my shop waiting for clients, and all of a sudden it felt like a big explosion,” he said. “It took out our window. I just saw a bunch of smoke.”

Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the fertility clinic, said the explosion damaged the office space but did not harm the in vitro fertilization lab or stored embryos. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients,” he told The Associated Press.

Scott Pastorius, a construction project manager staying four blocks away, initially mistook the blast for an earthquake. “The whole house rattled, and then the glass in the door I saw flexing,” he said. Upon reaching the scene, he observed extensive damage, including a collapsed roof at the clinic and debris scattered across the street.

Law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said authorities were treating the incident as a possible car explosion. The motive remains unknown.

Palm Springs, a desert resort city approximately two hours east of Los Angeles, is known for its upscale hotels and celebrity residents. The explosion disrupted the typically tranquil community, drawing emergency responders and federal investigators to the scene.

Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident, according to his office. The FBI has deployed bomb technicians and an evidence response team, while ATF specialists are en route to assist in the investigation.

Authorities have released no further details regarding the victim or the cause of the explosion.