Tragedy struck a quiet residential area in San Diego, United States, on Thursday morning when a small private jet crashed into homes, killing several people on board. Local authorities have confirmed “multiple fatalities” from the crash, though the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
The plane, a Cessna 550 aircraft capable of carrying 8 to 10 people including the pilot, went down in the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood, north of downtown San Diego. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft was likely heading toward Montgomery Field, a local airport about 10 kilometres away.
Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy said the crash caused severe damage to several homes and set multiple cars ablaze. Despite the destruction, no serious injuries were reported among residents. “There was jet fuel all over the place,” Eddy said at a press briefing. “The focus right now is making sure all homes are searched and everyone is safe.”
One person was taken to hospital while two others received minor treatment and were later released, according to San Diego Police. About 100 residents were evacuated from the area as emergency services worked to control the fires and secure the scene.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes. Local resident Christopher Moore told the Associated Press he and his wife were woken by a loud bang, saw smoke from their window, and quickly escaped with their two children. “It was definitely horrifying… sometimes you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety,” he said.
Footage from the site showed charred vehicles and thick smoke rising from the crash zone. A marine who lives nearby told Fox News he heard a “strange whistling wheezing noise” followed by a loud explosion that shook his house.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched investigations into the incident.
The area is expected to remain closed throughout the day as rescue and clean-up efforts continue.
