Two Dead, Eight Injured As Small Plane Crashes Into San Diego Military Housing Area
A tragic plane crash early Thursday morning claimed at least two lives and injured eight others after a small aircraft plunged into a San Diego neighbourhood housing military families.
According to officials, the crash occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time in the Tierrasanta neighbourhood, just over two miles east of Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 550 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), originated in the Midwest and was bound for San Diego.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Dan Eddy reported that the crash resulted in a massive blaze, with one home and several vehicles engulfed in flames upon the arrival of emergency crews. “We had a plane that had come through this neighborhood, taking out one home,” Eddy stated during a press briefing held in front of the damaged property.
The San Diego Police Department confirmed two fatalities and eight injuries by late morning. Fortunately, none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, and only one person required hospitalisation for minor injuries.
Officials evacuated approximately 100 residents from the area as a safety precaution. The affected housing tract is managed by Liberty Military Housing, and efforts are underway to support displaced residents. Captain Bob Heely, commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego, assured the public that coordination with Liberty Military Housing and the Red Cross is ongoing to provide temporary shelter for affected families.
San Diego City Council member Raul Campillo expressed gratitude that the devastation did not result in further loss of life on the ground. “The damage behind us is incredibly significant, was life-threatening, and thank God nobody on the ground was killed,” he said.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, authorities remain focused on supporting victims and uncovering the details behind the tragic event.
Melissa Enoch
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