Local News
Video Shows Moments Plane Crashes into San Diego Neighborhood
Dramatic video footage has emerged capturing the moment a private jet crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego early Thursday morning, killing multiple people on board.
The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. in the Murphy Canyon area, near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, amid dense fog and low visibility.
The crash occurred in the area of Sculpin Street and Santo Road, a densely populated section of the Tierrasanta neighborhood.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred on the ground, though the impact and subsequent fire caused extensive damage.
According to Assistant San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Dan Eddy, the aircraft struck the street and ignited jet fuel that engulfed vehicles on both sides.
“When it hit the street, as the jet fuel went down, it took out every single car that was on both sides of the street,” Eddy said. “You can see that every single car was burning down both sides of the street.”
The crash sparked fires that consumed approximately 15 homes and numerous vehicles. Thick black smoke and flames were still visible hours after the crash.
Officials noted that a “gigantic debris field” was left behind, stretching across the tightly packed residential area, with downed tree limbs, shattered glass, and twisted pieces of metal strewn across the roadway.
One home’s roof was completely collapsed and charred, with large fragments of aircraft wreckage visible in front.
Authorities have not yet released the total number of occupants on board the aircraft.
However, they confirmed it was a Cessna 550, a twin-engine business jet capable of carrying six to eight passengers.
Officials said the flight originated from Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas, and was scheduled to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport at approximately 3:47 a.m.
Assistant Chief Eddy said that conditions were extremely foggy at the time of the crash. “You could barely see in front of you,” he stated. Officials are investigating whether the plane may have struck power lines prior to impact.
Residents described the terrifying scene. Christopher Moore, who lives just one street over, said he and his wife were startled awake by a loud explosion. “We looked out the window and saw smoke. We grabbed our two kids and ran,” he recounted. As they evacuated, they passed a car that was fully engulfed in flames. “It was definitely horrifying for sure, but sometimes you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety,” Moore said.
Emergency responders evacuated multiple blocks in the surrounding area. In a particularly touching moment, police officers were seen rescuing three husky puppies from one of the damaged homes, transporting them to safety in a wagon.
Many families, including several with military ties, reside in the neighborhood, which is situated near several local airports including Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Gillespie Field, and the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
The area is known for regular small aircraft traffic due to its proximity to military and civilian aviation facilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft type and location of the crash but stated that the exact number of people on board remains unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash, with support from the FAA. Officials will also examine whether any power lines or other infrastructure were involved in the incident.
“Our top priority at this point is making sure all homes have been searched and everyone is safe,” Eddy emphasized. “There is jet fuel everywhere, and the fire response is ongoing.”
Local News
Ceiling Collapse at Aurora Theatre in East Aurora Prompts Emergency Response
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.
