Small Plane Crash in San Diego Neighborhood
Tragedy struck early Thursday morning in a residential area of San Diego, California, where a private jet crashed into several homes, resulting in multiple fatalities.
A Cessna 550 aircraft went down around 4 a.m., close to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, according to officials. The crash had a devastating impact, leading to a “gigantic debris field” and fires engulfing at least 15 homes and several vehicles in the Tierrasanta neighborhood.
Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy addressed the situation during a press conference, noting that the aircraft hit multiple homes directly.
“We have jet fuel all over the place,” Eddy stated, confirming the widespread destruction.
While officials have yet to determine the number of people on board, they have confirmed multiple fatalities. Fortunately, no residents in the area required hospitalization.
“Our main goal is to thoroughly search all these homes and ensure everyone’s safety,” Eddy said regarding the ongoing evacuations affecting several blocks.
He added, “When the plane hit the street and the jet fuel spread, it destroyed every car on both sides.” The fire department is still battling to extinguish the flames from the vehicles affected by the crash.
As reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the private jet could accommodate up to 10 people, but the exact number aboard remains unclear.
Local resident Christopher Moore described the harrowing moments after the crash. He and his wife were jolted awake by a loud noise, quickly grabbing their two children as they evacuated amid smoke and flames.
“It was definitely horrifying, but sometimes you just need to get to safety,” he reflected.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, especially given the heavy fog that surrounded the area at the time.
“You could barely see in front of you,” Chief Eddy remarked regarding the conditions.
The FAA has indicated that the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the incident.
