1 killed as bomb explodes near California fertility clinic, FBI terms it 'act of terrorism'

Debris is spilled onto the street after what the Mayor described as a bomb exploded near a reproductive health facility in Palm Springs. (Image: Reuters)

An explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, on Saturday killed one person in what the local mayor described as a bomb attack.

Four other people were also injured in the explosion in an incident the FBI called an "intentional act of terrorism", according to Reuters.

The authorities have a person of interest in the investigation and are not searching for a suspect, Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, told reporters. He provided no further details.

The person killed was near a vehicle that had been blown to pieces outside the clinic, operated by American Reproductive Centers, Davis said.

"Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism," Davis said, adding the FBI would determine if it was an act of "international terrorism or a domestic terrorism."

The blast ripped through downtown Palm Springs, badly damaging the clinic and blowing out the windows and doors of other nearby buildings. The city's police chief said this appears to have been a deliberate act.

"The blast appears to be an intentional act of violence and the blast extends for blocks with several buildings damaged, some severely," Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said.

Meanwhile, the clinic posted a statement on social media saying no staff had been hurt when the blast went off.

"This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building. We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected," it said.

"We are immensely grateful to share that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our lab -- including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials -- remains fully secure and undamaged," the clinic added.

(With inputs from agencies)