1 dead, 5 injured after car explodes near Palm Springs hospital, California

At least one person was killed in an explosion Saturday morning near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, authorities said.

A law enforcement official told that along with the one person killed, at least five others were injured.

Palm Springs city officials said in a Facebook post that the blast occurred just before 11 a.m. local time at North Indian Canyon Drive, near East Tachevah Drive, a stretch that has several healthcare facilities.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in a statement that one individual was murdered in a car explosion that "appears to be an intentional act of violence."

The identity of the deceased person and their involvement in the explosion is not yet known. Mills said the incidence appeared to be isolated.

The make and model of the vehicle was unclear. All that was left of it at the scene was an axel.

The lab at ARC, which houses all eggs, embryos and reproductive materials, was not damaged, the clinic said on social media.

"We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast," the American Red Cross reported.

The clinic announced that it will be "fully operational" Monday am.

Mills asked locals to leave any possible evidence in situ and report it to police via a non-emergency hotline. The city of Palm Springs said residents should stay away from the area to allow emergency crews to do their work.

As a result of the explosion, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has deployed investigators, bomb technicians and evidence response teams to the scene. The inquiry is also being conducted by the Los Angeles branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office sent a statement stating that he has been "briefed on the explosion at a health facility in Palm Springs."

"I've been briefed on the explosion near a fertility clinic in Palm Springs," Newsom wrote on X.  "Jen and I are keeping everyone affected in our hearts.  The state is working closely with local and federal authorities as the investigation unfolds. Please avoid the area."