Several Dead as Small Plane Crashes into California Neighborhood

Tragedy struck early Thursday morning as a small private plane crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood in San Diego, California, resulting in multiple fatalities and extensive property damage.

The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 550, was approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it went down around 3:50 a.m. local time.

The crash ignited fires that engulfed about 15 homes and several vehicles in the residential area, forcing the evacuation of approximately 100 residents.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, managing to evacuate the neighborhood and treating at least one person for injuries.

Thankfully, no fatalities were reported among the residents on the ground.

The occupants of the plane are presumed dead, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.

Authorities are investigating whether the aircraft struck a power line during its final approach, which may have contributed to the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

Murphy Canyon is a community home to many military families and is located near a major military base.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria expressed his condolences and support for the affected families, saying, “Our city will be supporting these families who are impacted here. They’re part of the military community that makes up our city.”

As the investigation continues, officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of the neighborhood.