Explosions near the Fertility Clinic Rattle Area in Palm Springs
The first responders were on the scene after the explosion near a reproductive center in Palm Springs, California.
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — The FBI and paramedics are investigating a fatal car explosion in which “intentional” local officials were classified near the American reproductive center in Palm Springs.
According to Desert Sun, part of the USA Today Network, one person was killed in an explosion, rattling homes, shocking residents. According to the outlet, some residents reported seeing smoke.
The Palm Springs Police Department said it had reported an explosion into the desert sun around 11am local time in downtown Palm Springs, where people felt two miles away. Lt. Col. William Hutchinson said there was at least one fatality.
According to the Fertility Clinic Facebook page, it is open Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 11am.
“It’s all about whether this is an act of terrorism or not,” he said from the scene.
The city of Palm Springs advised residents to stay away from the area so that emergency crews can work on the site.
Palm Springs Chief calls the explosion “deliberate act of violence.”
According to Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills, the explosion was “deliberate acts of violence” and what appears to be an “isolated incident.”
The FBI’s Los Angeles office shared with X that the federal agency was on the scene.
“The FBI is dealing with police and Fire Department partners at the scene of the N Indian Canyon explosion in Palm Springs,” reads the social media post. “FBI assets deployed include investigators, bomb technicians and evidence response teams. Please contact your local government for local safety precautions.”
The eggs and embryos are not damaged, the clinic says
The American Reproductive Center in Palm Springs has issued a statement on Facebook about what is called an “unexpected and tragic incident” caused by the explosion of a vehicle in a parking lot near the building.
“We are heartbroken to know that this event has taken a life, caused injury and has the meaning of our deepest pathos.
In a statement, the clinic confirmed that team members had not been harmed and that the lab, including all eggs, embryos and reproductive materials, was “completely safe and undamaged.” The clinic also has “complete safety tests,” but said its operations and sensitive medical field have not been affected by the explosion.
“Our mission has always been to help build families. In times like these, we remember how fragile and valuable lives are,” the clinic writes. “In the face of this tragedy, we are still committed to creating hope because we believe healing begins with community, compassion and care.”
The clinic thanked all initial responders and said it would be fully operational on the morning of May 19th.
“This moment has shaken us, but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love and hope that will bring a new life to the world,” reads the Facebook post.
Where did the explosion occur?
The explosion occurred near an American reproductive center along North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, California.
According to its website, the American Reproductive Center opened in 2006 and is “Coachella Valley’s first and only full-service fertility center & IVF Lab.”
Residents report dead and debris from the car after the explosion
Matt Spencer, a Palm Springs resident who lives in an apartment about 200 yards from where the explosion occurred, told the desert sun that passed an American reproductive center about five minutes after hearing the boom.
Residents added that they were watching the centre facade being blown across the street into the parking lot of a medical centre in the desert area. He also described a horrifying scene of the remains and body parts.
“It was very loud,” Palm Springs resident Tamara Cash told the desert sun, jogging a few blocks away when he heard the explosion.
As of noon local time, police and ambulances were still arriving at the scene near the desert area, with helicopters hovering over people a few blocks away, walking to brunch without clue what happened, the desert sun reported.
Social media captures the aftermath of the explosion
The aftermath of the explosion is captured by social media users, indicating a major loss.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is described as an explosion
California Gov. Gavin Newsom shared with X that he was described about the explosion near the Palm Springs fertility clinic.
“Jen and I are affecting everyone in our minds,” says Newsom’s social media post. “As the investigation unfolds, the state is working closely with local and federal authorities. Avoid the area.”
This is a developing story.
