A small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego, igniting 15 homes and forcing evacuations across multiple blocks. The incident occurred early Thursday morning in Murphy Canyon, near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Authorities are working to contain the fires and assess the damage, but the situation remains fluid.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, battling intense flames fueled by jet fuel. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy described the scene as chaotic, with firefighters racing to search homes and evacuate residents. The priority is ensuring no one remains trapped inside the burning structures. Officials have not yet confirmed casualties or injuries, but the scale of destruction suggests a difficult recovery ahead.
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 550, a twin-engine jet capable of carrying six to eight passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to determine how many people were on board or what caused the crash. Investigators will examine weather conditions, mechanical failures, and pilot distress signals to piece together the events leading up to the disaster.
Residents described hearing a deafening explosion, followed by thick smoke and flames engulfing homes. Many fled with only the clothes on their backs, leaving behind valuables and pets. Authorities have set up temporary shelters for displaced families, but the full extent of the damage will take time to assess.
The crash raises concerns about aviation safety near residential areas. Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, located just miles from downtown San Diego, sees frequent small aircraft traffic. Local officials may face pressure to re-evaluate flight paths and safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
Sources
https://abc7ny.com/post/small-plane-crashes-san-diego-california-neighborhood-police/16505099/