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Plane crashes into San Diego neighbourhood 'setting 15 homes on fire'

Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22
Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22. Picture: Alamy

By Ella Bennett

A plane has crashed into a San Diego neighbourhood during foggy weather early Thursday morning, setting about 15 homes on fire and causing an evacuation of several blocks, authorities said.

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Local media is reporting the private plane clipped the corner of a house, and continued on through the neighbourhood.

The plane crash set around 15 homes on fire and left a number of cars destroyed.

Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy said the crash has left jet fuel spread across the area.

During a news conference, he said: “Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.”

He added “there is a direct hit to multiple homes” in the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood.

It was not currently known if there are any injuries or deaths, but it is believed no one who lives in the area has needed to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Eddy said it was very foggy at the time the private plane crashed. “You could barely see in front of you,” he said.

Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood
Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood. Picture: Alamy
General views of the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks
General views of the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks. Picture: Alamy
Police help rescue dogs from a home near the crash site
Police help rescue dogs from a home near the crash site. Picture: Alamy
The plane crash took place in Tierrasanta, San Diego
The plane crash took place in Tierrasanta, San Diego. Picture: Getty
Vehicles are damaged as authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed
Vehicles are damaged as authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed. Picture: Alamy

The Federal Aviation Administration says the Cessna 550 aircraft crashed near the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

“The number of people on board is unknown at this time,” the FAA said in a statement. The plane can carry six to eight people.

San Diego Police Department issued an update on X advising local residents to call emergency services if they smell jet fuel or find debris.