Horrific act of violence costs lives: Bomb explodes outside fertility clinic

By Barbara Munker

Palm Springs (California) - At least one person has been killed in an explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs , Southern California.

Debris covers the ground after an explosion in Palm Springs, California.
Debris covers the ground after an explosion in Palm Springs, California.  © -/ABC7 Los Angeles via AP/dpa

Police spokesman Mike Villegas spoke of a "deliberate act of violence". According to US media reports, Mayor Ron deHarte said that a bomb had exploded in or near a car.

The identity of the victim was initially unknown. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating at the scene.

The powerful explosion shook a large area and caused severe damage, as seen on television images. Several buildings were damaged and windows were broken.

The fertility clinic "American Reproductive Centers" was the worst affected. The clinic management spoke of a "tragic incident" in a message on Facebook.

The police examine a vehicle on site.
The police examine a vehicle on site.  © -/ABC7 Los Angeles via AP/dpa

A vehicle exploded in a parking lot near the clinic. Employees were not injured, it was reported. The laboratory area with embryos and other materials was also not damaged.