Local News
2 killed, 19 injured after plane crashes into building in Fullerton
Emergency services in Fullerton, California, are responding to a major incident involving a plane crash in the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue.
According to the Fullerton Police Department, the crash has resulted in significant structural damage and triggered a four-alarm fire, prompting evacuations and a massive response effort.
The crash occurred when a small plane collided with an office building or warehouse, sparking a fiery explosion that engulfed the structure in flames.
Initial reports suggest at least four individuals have been injured, though authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of casualties. The severity of injuries and potential fatalities remain under investigation.
- Evacuations: Residents and workers in the immediate vicinity are being evacuated as a precaution due to the fire and potential hazards. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work unimpeded.
- Firefighting Efforts: Fire crews are battling the intense blaze, which has spread throughout the building. The situation is being treated as a four-alarm fire, indicating a high level of severity and resource deployment.
- Medical Assistance: Emergency medical teams are on-site providing care to those injured in the crash and subsequent fire.
A media staging area has been established at the southeast corner of Raymer Avenue and Gilbert Street. The Fullerton Police Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) is en route to provide updates and address inquiries.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and the situation is under active investigation. Updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Residents and businesses in the area are advised to follow official directives and stay tuned for further announcements from local authorities.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a house fire claimed the lives of four family members in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Officials say the blaze broke out inside a one-story wood-frame home on East Third Street shortly before 1:40 a.m.
According to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, one resident, identified as Kathy Shippy, managed to escape the burning home and ran across the street to alert a neighbor and call 911.
Surveillance footage from the neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the home already fully engulfed in flames by the time the call was made.
Coroner Dennis Fowler identified the victims as:
- Willie Morris, 38
- Dakeyia Shippy, 25
- Mason Issac, 4
- Jerekry McGill, 7 months
All were residents of the home and relatives of the survivor.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire began after Morris attempted to refuel a kerosene heater inside the home, which caused the blaze to ignite suddenly and spread rapidly.
“All four victims were found on the floor of the kitchen at the rear of the house and appeared to have been trying to escape through a window when they were overcome by smoke,” the coroner’s office reported.
Autopsies are scheduled to determine the precise causes of death and assist investigators in confirming the fire’s origin.
Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano urged the public to use extreme caution when operating space or kerosene heaters.
“Never attempt to refuel a heater indoors or while it is still hot,” Chief Caggiano said, emphasizing fire safety during colder months.
The incident remains under joint investigation by the Gaffney Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities described the loss as “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family and community members affected by the tragedy.