A small aircraft has crashed into a neighborhood in San Diego, igniting around 15 homes and several cars, according to officials.
The crash occurred early this morning (May 22) in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon area, prompting evacuations on multiple streets.
“We have jet fuel all over the place,” stated assistant Fire Department chief Dan Eddy during a press briefing. “Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.”
He mentioned that ‘there is a direct hit to multiple homes’ in the vicinity and described ‘a gigantic debris field’ in a densely populated area.
Currently, there is no information available regarding any injuries or fatalities.
Eddy noted that heavy fog was present when the private plane went down, commenting: “You could barely see in front of you.”
The Cessna 550 aircraft crashed at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time near the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“The number of people on board is unknown at this time,” their statement reveals. “The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NSTB will lead the investigation and provide any updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”
It is known that this type of small plane can carry between six to eight passengers.
The San Diego Police Department issued a warning via Twitter for residents to stay clear of the area.
They posted: “Plane crash in Tierrasanta: Evacs still in place for Salmon, Sample & Sculpin St. If you smell jet fuel or find debris, call 619-531-2000. SB Santo Rd closed at Aero Dr. Evac site: Miller Elementary, 4343 Shields St.”
CBS interviewed a resident evacuated from the area, who chose to remain anonymous.
Describing his immediate thoughts upon being told to evacuate, he said: “As soon as I saw a police officer and he told me about like there’s some big incident going on, instantly my mind went to – ‘I have to get my family out of here’.
“Whatever’s going on, like my car, her car, everything that’s inside the house – that’s irrelevant just make sure everybody’s safe.”