Small Plane Crashes in San Diego Neighborhood: What You Need to Know

A small plane crashed into a military housing area in San Diego early Thursday morning. The plane, believed to be a Cessna private jet, hit around 15 homes, setting several on fire.

Officials at the scene, including Assistant Chief Dan Eddy of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, confirmed that the search for the pilot and any passengers was ongoing. So far, there are no reports of injuries, which Eddy noted was fortunate. He stated, “We have not transported anybody off scene from any of these areas right now.”

Emergency crews worked quickly to manage the situation, as there were fuel spills from the plane. Eddy mentioned, “We have jet fuel all over the place,” leading to evacuations in the vicinity. Hazmat teams were also called to assist.

Eyewitness Forrest Gallagher, who lives nearby, described hearing a “loud boom” that woke him up. He remarked on the strange smell in the air and saw a vehicle engulfed in flames. “I went outside to investigate, and that’s when I saw the car on fire,” he said.

The San Diego Police Department advised residents to stay clear of the area while handling the incident. Additionally, two local elementary schools were closed for the day as a precaution.

In a broader context, this incident highlights the risks associated with small aircraft operations in populated areas. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, small plane crashes, while rare, can have devastating effects on communities. Between 2016 and 2020, there were over 1,000 reported accidents involving general aviation. These incidents often underscore the importance of stringent aviation safety measures and regulations.

As this story develops, updates will be provided. For more details, the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash’s circumstances but has not yet confirmed the number of individuals onboard.



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