Local News
Multiple people dead after plane crashes into San Diego neighborhood
San Diego, CA – Multiple occupants aboard a private plane that crashed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday have died, according to authorities.
Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy stated during a news conference that investigators are working to determine whether the aircraft struck a power line prior to impact.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported on the ground.
San Diego police and fire officials noted that the aircraft, a Cessna 550, is capable of carrying eight to ten people, though the exact number of passengers onboard at the time of the crash has not yet been confirmed.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the twin-engine aircraft went down at approximately 3:45 a.m. near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
The crash occurred in the area of Sculpin Street and Santo Road, a densely populated section of the Tierrasanta neighborhood.
The impact of the crash set approximately 15 homes and multiple vehicles ablaze.
Authorities immediately began evacuating residents across several blocks, citing the widespread presence of jet fuel and the risk of further explosions.
“We have jet fuel all over the place,” said San Diego Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy during a morning press briefing. “Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.” He described the incident as involving “a direct hit to multiple homes” and noted that emergency crews were contending with “a gigantic debris field.”
Visibility at the time of the crash was severely limited. “It was very foggy. You could barely see in front of you,” Eddy added, underscoring the challenging conditions faced by first responders during the initial rescue and firefighting efforts.
Emergency crews from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego Police Department, and other agencies remain on scene conducting search and rescue operations and assessing structural damage.
Nearby residents described being jolted awake by the impact. Christopher Moore, who lives one street from the crash site, said he and his wife were awakened by a loud explosion.
“We looked outside and saw smoke. We grabbed our kids and ran,” Moore recalled. “As we were leaving, we passed a car that was completely engulfed in flames. It was horrifying, but we just focused on getting to safety.”
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The NTSB will take the lead in the probe, officials said.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid the area as emergency operations continue.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Emergency crews responded to the Aurora Theatre at 673 Main Street in the Village of East Aurora on Sunday following a ceiling collapse inside the historic building while students and chaperones were present.
Officials said construction activity inside the two-story brick structure led to a portion of the ceiling giving way during a scheduled event.
At the time of the incident, approximately 68 students and adult chaperones were inside the theater.
First responders confirmed there was no entrapment and the collapse was limited in scope.
Emergency Medical Services evaluated six pediatric patients for minor injuries at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.
Fire and safety officials secured the area and conducted a structural assessment to ensure the remainder of the building was safe.
Authorities said the incident remains under review, including the circumstances surrounding the construction work that preceded the collapse.
Further information will be released as the investigation continues.