A small aircraft crashed into a residential area of San Diego early Thursday morning, killing several people on board and igniting fires that damaged homes and vehicles.
The crash happened in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, forcing evacuations and leaving the community shaken.
The Cessna 550, a twin-engine jet that can carry up to 10 people, went down just before dawn. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the type of aircraft but has not yet released information about its flight path or why it crashed. Local authorities have also not disclosed the identities or exact number of those killed, but fire officials confirmed multiple fatalities.
Despite the destruction, officials say no residents inside the affected homes were seriously hurt. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy said there was jet fuel spread across the crash zone and that several houses had taken a direct hit. The crash sparked fires that engulfed nearby cars and homes, sending smoke billowing through the neighborhood.
Firefighters and emergency crews rushed to the scene to control the flames and search through the wreckage. Around 100 people were evacuated from the area as a precaution. One person was taken to the hospital, while two others were treated and released, according to San Diego police.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments following the impact. Christopher Moore, a resident, said he and his wife were jolted awake by a loud bang. They grabbed their two children and ran from their home, spotting a burning car on the street as they fled.
Another resident, a marine, described hearing an unusual whistling sound followed by a massive boom that shook his house.
Authorities believe the plane was attempting to land at Montgomery Field, a small airport located about six miles from the crash site. Investigators from the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are now working to determine the cause of the crash.
The area remains closed as crews continue cleanup and damage assessment. With homes destroyed and lives lost, the neighborhood now faces a long recovery from a morning that began in flames.