At least one dead after 'bomb' explosion near IVF clinic in Palm Springs as FBI launch 'terror probe'
At least one person is dead following a "bomb" explosion near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, reports claim.
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Images on social media show a destroyed building, a road covered in debris, damage spanning multiple businesses and what appeared to be human remains.
The person killed in the blast has yet to be identified.
Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte reportedly told The LA Times that the explosion was caused by "a bomb" but this is yet to be verified.
An FBI statement read: "The FBI is responding with police & fire partners to the scene of an explosion on N Indian Canyon Dr in Palm Springs.
"FBI assets being deployed include investigators, bomb technicians & an evidence response team. Please contact local authorities for safety precautions in the area."
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.https://t.co/l7h60WlzSJ
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) May 17, 2025
The building destroyed by the explosion has not yet been confirmed, but reports suggest it was a fertility or IVF clinic.
No motive has been given, but officials have said they are not ruling out terrorism.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation.
A witness told the Palm Springs Post: “In front of the building [the car] was blown clear across four lanes into the parking lot of [Desert Regional Medical Center].
“I could see the back of the car still on fire and the rims, that was the only thing that distinguishes it as a car.”
US Attorney Bill Essayli has claimed the FBI has already begun investigating the causes of the blast, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on their way to the scene.
Palm Springs resident Tamara Cash told The Desert Sun newspaper the blast “was so loud it shook me. All I could hear was alarms going off in different buildings.”
“The building just shook, and we go outside and there’s massive cloud smoke,” another local said.
“Crazy explosion. It felt like a bomb went off. ... We went up to the scene, and we saw human remains.”
Palm Springs is a tiny community in the desert about a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles. It is known for upscale resorts and a history of celebrity residents.