A small plane crashed into a San Diego military housing neighborhood on Thursday morning, prompting a swift response from local authorities. Officials confirmed the incident, which involved a private jet, identified as a Cessna, striking approximately 15 homes in the area.
During a press conference at the crash site, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Assistant Chief Dan Eddy provided details about the incident. He stated that the crash resulted in multiple homes and vehicles catching fire. "I just walked it myself, and down the street, it looks like something from a movie," Eddy remarked, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Authorities are currently conducting a search for the pilot and any other individuals who may have been on board the aircraft. While Chief Eddy did not confirm any fatalities or injuries, he mentioned that there have been no reported injuries thus far. "The good thing that we have is we have not transported anybody off scene from any of these areas here right now," he said. Officials are meticulously checking the homes in the vicinity to ensure no one is trapped.
In the aftermath of the crash, multiple neighborhoods in the area have been evacuated. This precautionary measure was taken due to fuel spills resulting from the incident. "We have jet fuel all over the place," Eddy stated, highlighting the potential hazards. He confirmed that a hazmat team is on-site, with additional resources requested to manage the situation.
The homes affected by the crash are part of military housing, which adds another layer of complexity to the emergency response. Eyewitness accounts from residents provide further insight into the chaos. Forrest Gallagher, a local resident and Marine Corps mechanic, described the scene, stating that a loud boom woke him from a deep sleep. He reported smelling a burning odor reminiscent of rubber or plastic when he went outside to investigate the noise.
Video footage shared with NBC News showcases the devastating aftermath of the crash, including a car engulfed in flames, with police sirens audible in the background. Gallagher noted that while he witnessed the fire, he did not see any plane wreckage and was not evacuated from his home.
In light of the incident, the San Diego Police Department has advised the public to avoid the area and promised to provide updates as more information becomes available. Additionally, two local elementary schools were closed for the day as a precautionary measure.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria shared a local news report about the crash on social media platform X, though his office has not yet responded to requests for comment. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued a statement, indicating that they are still assessing the situation and do not yet know the number of passengers onboard the plane.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of the community and gather more information regarding this tragic event.
