Authorities reported that several individuals lost their lives when a small civilian aircraft crashed into a neighborhood in San Diego, California, early Thursday morning. The specific number of casualties has not yet been confirmed.
Officials are investigating, as noted by the Associated Press, whether the plane collided with a power line during the accident, according to Fire Chief Aide Dan Eddie.
No one on the ground was injured, but the crash caused damage to multiple homes and vehicles, which caught fire. As a precaution, the area had to be evacuated for safety reasons.
Flight tracking websites indicated that Cessna Citation II jets were scheduled to arrive at Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego at 3:47 AM, as highlighted in the AP report.
The incident occurred just before 4 AM on Salmon Street, in a residential military area, according to NBC San Diego.
Footage from the scene showed the aftermath, with burnt cars and damaged properties as first responders arrived:
Shortly after the crash, Eddie mentioned that he was focused on managing the fire caused by the incident.
“There are several cars involved, and there’s jet fuel everywhere. There are hazardous materials at the site, and we need additional resources. We are collaborating with the military. Our primary goal now is to ensure all homes are cleared and no one is inside,” he added.
He also commented on the foggy conditions at the time of the crash, stating, “Visibility was really poor.”
One reporter, who spoke to military personnel, took action to help ensure the safety of residents in the area, noting that the crash happened near his own home.
“We noticed that fuel was leaking and igniting as it moved downhill, so we began directing people to higher ground,” he said during an interview in a restaurant parking lot.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct an investigation into the crash.
