Tragedy struck early Thursday morning when a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighbourhood, killing several people and setting off a wave of destruction. The Cessna 550, carrying six people, plummeted into the Murphy Canyon area shortly before 4:00 am, igniting fires that engulfed cars and damaged at least ten homes.
The crash occurred in an area known for its military housing, and residents were jolted awake by the impact. “When (the plane) hit the street, as the jet fuel went down, it took out every single car that was on both sides of the street,” said San Diego Fire Department Assistant Chief Dan Eddy. Despite the devastation, authorities confirmed that no one on the ground sustained serious injuries.
Among the deceased are two crew members and Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a music agency based in San Diego. A spokesperson for STG described the tragedy as devastating.
Local residents shared harrowing accounts of their escape. Yasmine Sierra, 35, was awakened by what she thought was an earthquake. She soon saw flames and smoke and sprang into action to help her neighbours, whom she heard screaming.
According to Yasmine, she and her son jumped on their trampoline with a ladder, which they threw into their neighbour’s yard to have them climb over. A woman, two children, and two dogs were able to escape by climbing over into her backyard thanks to her efforts.
Navy sailor Jeremy Serna, 31, described waking to an orange sky and the sound of an explosion. He said that when he saw a house on fire, he rushed to his wife to inform her that they had to evacuate immediately.
The crash occurred in thick fog as the plane approached Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Investigators suspect a nearby power line may have been struck. Wreckage, including twisted car frames and charred debris, littered the street as officials worked through the morning to determine the cause.
