San Diego Jet Crash Ignites Fires, Forces Evacuations in Murphy Canyon
A small jet crashed into a suburban neighborhood in San Diego early on the morning of May 22, sparking a massive fire that engulfed around 15 homes and vehicles in flames.
The incident occurred in the densely populated Murphy Canyon area, prompting immediate evacuations of several nearby streets.
“We have jet fuel all over the place,” said Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy during a press briefing. “Our main priority is to search every home and make sure everyone gets out safely.”
Eddy described a “gigantic debris field” and confirmed that multiple homes had suffered direct impact.
Despite the dramatic scene and widespread damage, authorities have not reported any injuries or fatalities at this time.
Eddy claimed that the private plane crashed at a period of extreme fog, saying, “You could barely see in front of you.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Cessna 550 plane crashed close to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport at approximately 3.45 a.m. local time.
“The number of people on board is unknown at this time,” their statement reads. “The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NSTB will lead the investigation and provide any updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”
The little plane is known to have a capacity of six to eight passengers.
Residents are being cautioned to stay away from the area by the San Diego Police Department on Twitter.
They wrote: “Plane crash in Tierrasanta: Evacs still in place for Salmon, Sample & Sculpin St. If you smell jet fuel or find debris, call 619-531-2000. SB Santo Rd closed at Aero Dr. Evac site: Miller Elementary, 4343 Shields St.”
One of the individuals, whose name was withheld, who was evacuated from the neighbourhood was interviewed by CBS.
Explaining what was going through his head the moment he was informed that he had to leave his home, he said, “As soon as I saw a police officer and he told me about like there’s some big incident going on, instantly my mind went to – ‘I have to get my family out of here’.”
“Whatever’s going on, like my car, her car, everything that’s inside the house – that’s irrelevant just make sure everybody’s safe.”