At Least 2 Killed, 8 Injured In Fiery Plane Crash In San Diego Neighborhood

SAN DIEGO, CA — Multiple people were killed and eight were injured when a plane crashed early Thursday morning into a residential neighborhood in San Diego, authorities said. The crash damaged at least 10 buildings and several vehicles, and forced the evacuation of about 100 people in one of the U.S. military's largest housing neighborhoods.

The Cessna 550 aircraft went down amid foggy weather around 3:45 a.m. near Sculpin Street and Santo Road in the Murphy Canyon community, near the Tierrasanta area of San Diego, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Six people were on board the plane, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. All of them were presumed dead.

Eight people on the ground were injured, largely with minor injuries, including one person who was taken to a hospital.

"On behalf of our city, I extend my condolences to the families and loves ones of those aboard the plane," San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in a statement.

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The plane crash set multiple homes and vehicles on fire, including a large fire at a two-story home in the military housing community near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The fire was reported at 3:47 a.m. at 10257 Sample St., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. A total of 130 firefighting personnel were assigned to the fire, including 13 fire engines and five trucks.

At least 10 homes were affected by the plane crash and resulting fires, according to fire officials. One home was destroyed.

"We have jet fuel all over the place," Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy said during a news conference. "Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now."

"There is a direct hit to multiple homes," he said.

Multiple vehicles were also set on fire, according to the California Highway Patrol. Heavy smoke and plane parts were seen in the neighborhood where the plane crashed.

"I can't quite put words to describe what the scene looks like," San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said during the news conference. "With the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see."

As of 7:30 a.m., all of the scattered fires were extinguished except one "stubborn" vehicle fire, Eddy said.

Authorities evacuated multiple blocks in the area. Evacuations were in place for residents on Salmon, Sample and Sculpin streets.

A temporary evacuation center was established at Miller Elementary School at 4343 Shields St. The American Red Cross will be available to assist with lodging and other needs until 9 p.m., according to the police department.

Police asked people to avoid the area south of Aero Drive.

As of Thursday afternoon, evacuations remained in effect. Taussig Road and Yorktown Drive were reopened to the public. Police said road closures on Salmon Road, Santo Road and Corporal Drive will remain in place while the National Transportation Safety Bureau conducts their investigation.

The northbound Interstate 15 off-ramp at Aero Drive was temporarily blocked due to the plane crash, according to Caltrans. Authorities issued a SigAlert for the area. The off-ramp reopened around 8:30 a.m.

Hancock Elementary and Miller Elementary schools were closed Thursday due to the crash, according to police. Child care for both schools was provided at Miller Elementary.

The Cessna 550 aircraft crashed at 3:45 a.m. near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

"The number of people on board is unknown at this time," the FAA said in a statement.

It was not yet known what caused the plane to crash.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego Police Department, Cal Fire and military police for their swift, coordinated response that quickly evacuated residents, extinguished fires, and secured the area to ensure this tragedy was not compounded," Gloria said. "San Diego will support the Navy as they assist the residents affected by this tragedy."

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the crash. The FAA said the NSTB will lead the investigation.

Authorities asked anyone who smells jet fuel or finds debris near the scene of the crash site to call 619-531-2000.