Several fatalities have been reported following a small plane crash in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego on Thursday morning. The private Cessna 550 aircraft struck residential properties, resulting in significant damage to several homes and igniting vehicles on the street. While exact figures on the casualties have not yet been disclosed, local authorities stated that there were "more than one fatality" among those onboard, as confirmed by Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy.
Fortunately, residents of the affected areas were spared from serious injuries, though about 100 individuals were evacuated for safety reasons amidst lingering jet fuel contamination in the vicinity. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene. One resident, Christopher Moore, recalled the terrifying moment he and his family awoke to a loud explosion, followed by witnessing flames engulfing cars outside their home.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft was a Cessna 550, capable of carrying eight to ten people, including the pilot. Local police reported that one person suffered hospitalization while two others were treated and released after the incident.
The plane appeared to be attempting to reach Montgomery Field airport, located approximately six miles north of downtown San Diego, before the crash occurred. Emergency crews are currently focused on securing the area and preventing further hazards as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.
