An apparently intentional blast damaged dozens of buildings in Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday morning. So tragically, one person was killed and at least five other people were injured. The explosion occurred around 11 a.m. in front of one of the American Reproductive Centers (ARC) fertility clinic. This jumped the first action by local officials and first responders.
The explosion’s impact was even greater, with residents saying it was felt up to two miles away. Palm Springs police lieutenant William Hutchinson told the press that investigators are treating the incident as a possible act of domestic terrorism. He stated, “Everything is in question, whether this is an act of terrorism.”
Local officials identified Nima Tabrizi, a 37-year-old from Santa Monica, as the man who was in the vicinity of an explosion when it erupted. He described the scene, stating, “The building just shook, and we go outside and there’s massive cloud smoke.” Tabrizi documented the apparent human remains that he witnessed at the site after the explosion.
Dr. Maher Abdallah, head of the American Reproductive Centers where the explosion occurred, assured all staff in their safety and protocol measures. He took to Instagram to share his surprise at the accident, stating, “I literally don’t even know what went on. Fortunately, he noted that “Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients.”
The American Reproductive Centers released a statement expressing condolences to those affected by the tragedy, stating, “We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries… ARC will be fully operational on Monday morning, and our team is here to answer any concerns you may have.” The center’s statement expressed gratitude for local emergency response teams, whose quick response helped avert further damage and injury.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been updated on the situation and shared his condolences with the victims. Jen [his wife] and I are holding in our hearts all of those impacted. The state continues to coordinate with local and federal partners as this investigation is developing. Please avoid the area,” Newsom stated.
Firefighters were soon battling flames shooting from a linked, beige, one-story building tied to the blast. Those investigations continue today. Residents are advised by the Palm Springs city government to avoid the area surrounding North Indian Canyon Drive just above East Tachevah Drive.
The US attorney for the central district of California, Bill Essayli, was made aware of what occurred. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to investigate what caused the explosion that blew the massive crane apart. As of now, Lawton police have not released a motive or named any suspects.