(9 AM Central May 22nd) Emergency services continue to search the debris following a plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood early this morning.
The area was engulfed in flames around 4 AM on Thursday, May 22. Reports indicate that approximately 15 homes were damaged, along with vehicles parked in driveways and on the street.
Residents were evacuated, and authorities are advising people to stay clear of the vicinity.
Two schools and one road have been closed as the fire department and local officials manage the aftermath of the crash.
Fire Chief Dan Eddy discussed the situation at a news conference early this morning, saying, “We have jet fuel all over the place. Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.”
He described the scene as “a gigantic debris field.”
What do we know about the plane?
According to the fire chief this morning, conditions were extremely foggy and
“You could barely see in front of you.”
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that it was a Cessna 550, a small private aircraft capable of carrying 6 to 8 people. The FAA also shared that “the number of people on board is unknown.”
Local authorities have not yet confirmed the number of injuries or casualties. However, video footage shows the plane in ruins. The crash occurred near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
Watch the ongoing coverage below.
(11 AM Central, May 22nd) Multiple Casualties Reported
The plane crashed in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, which is mostly military housing. As of this afternoon, casualties have been reported.
The Fire Chief shared,
“We do believe we have multiple fatalities, but we’re going to have to go through and take our time and ensure that’s exactly what we have.”
One local San Diego resident recounted the incident. Jennifer Hoffman, who lives a few streets away from the crash, shared her firsthand account of it.
“I was half-asleep and I saw a flash at the window and heard a bang. I thought it was lightning to be honest, I even checked the weather to see if it was raining out. And then I heard like bunches of pops and I was like, ‘That can’t be lightning.’ I went downstairs, I checked outside and I saw the neighborhood behind us was bright red. It was awful.”
If you need a safe place after evacuation, this local church has opened its doors.
This is a developing story. Return here for further updates.
