At least two people are dead and eight others injured after a small plane that made a fuel stop in Wichita crashed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday, sparking a massive fire and damaging multiple homes and vehicles, officials said.
The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, sending jet fuel down the street and igniting at least 10 buildings and several cars. The impact scene resembled “a movie scene,” according to San Diego Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy.
Key Details:
- All confirmed fatalities were believed to be from the aircraft.
- The number of people aboard the Cessna 550 remains uncertain.
- One person was hospitalized, and two others treated and released.
- More than 100 residents in the Murphy Canyon military housing neighborhood have been displaced.
- Several elementary schools were closed due to the crash.
Firsthand Accounts & Heroic Response
Witness Jennifer Hoffman, who lives nearby, described seeing a “flash” and hearing a loud bang, initially mistaking it for lightning. Moments later, she saw the sky glowing red and realized something was seriously wrong.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl praised first responders, saying:
“With jet fuel going down the street and everything on fire all at once… firefighters and officers ran in, evacuating residents and doing everything they could to save lives. It was truly heroic.”
Emergency Response & Investigation
Residents have been evacuated to nearby schools while crews conduct door-to-door searches. Some victims were treated for minor injuries on scene, and the search for additional victims and aircraft debris is ongoing.
The FAA confirmed the plane had refueled in Wichita before heading to Montgomery-Gibbs Airport. The last radar check-in showed the aircraft at 500 feet. There was no mayday call—only the pilot’s standard radio call announcing they were three miles from landing. The airport tower was closed at the time, which is normal procedure.
Authorities Ask:
Residents are urged to avoid the area near Sculpin Street and Santo Road as emergency crews continue their work.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria assured the city’s support for affected families, particularly those from the military community.
“They’re part of the military community that makes up our city.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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