In a deeply distressing and tragic development, authorities have now confirmed that at least ten individuals have lost their lives following a catastrophic plane crash that occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning in a residential neighborhood in San Diego, California.
Initially, officials reported no casualties, but as emergency crews and investigators worked through the wreckage and assessed the situation, the grim reality of the event began to unfold. The death toll has since risen to 10, painting a harrowing picture of the impact of this devastating aviation disaster.
The crash triggered a massive fireball that erupted upon impact, engulfing the area in flames and causing significant damage to nearby properties. According to fire officials and eyewitnesses, at least 15 homes were severely affected, with several vehicles also catching fire in the aftermath of the explosion. The blaze lit up the early morning sky, alarming residents and first responders alike.
Local news outlet NBC7 spoke to shaken residents who described the moment of the impact. One resident recounted hearing a thunderous boom, followed by what they described as a “mega explosion.” Within moments, the sky above the neighborhood was alight with towering flames, and thick plumes of black smoke filled the air, causing panic and confusion among those living nearby.
Due to the highly hazardous conditions caused by the burning aircraft and leaking aviation fuel, a HAZMAT (hazardous materials) emergency was declared. Authorities moved swiftly to evacuate the area, removing all residents from the immediate danger zone. The evacuation orders reportedly extended to several blocks surrounding the crash site, encompassing multiple streets in the densely populated area.
The crash was reported at approximately 4:00 AM local time, in the 3100 block of Salmon Street, a typically quiet neighborhood now turned into a scene of chaos and destruction. Large pieces of aircraft debris were found strewn across the area, some embedded in homes and scattered across lawns and streets. Notably, a massive power pole was toppled, contributing to an extensive power outage that affected a significant number of nearby residents, further complicating rescue and recovery operations.
Adding to the danger, it was later revealed that the aircraft had run out of fuel midair, resulting in the plane descending uncontrollably and crashing into the residential street. This critical failure is believed to have played a direct role in the emergency evacuation measures undertaken by city officials.
Local authorities, along with federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are currently on-site conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. They are working to determine what caused the aircraft to lose fuel and crash, and whether there were any mechanical failures or procedural lapses involved.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this tragic aviation disaster, thoughts and prayers have poured in from across the community and beyond for the families of those who lost their lives, and for the residents who now face the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives after this unimaginable event.