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(9 AM Central, May 22nd) Emergency services continue to search the debris following a plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood early this morning.

The area was engulfed in flames around 4 AM on Thursday, May 22. Reports indicate that approximately 15 homes were damaged, along with vehicles parked in driveways and on the street.

Residents were evacuated, and authorities are advising people to stay clear of the vicinity.

Two schools and one road have been closed as the fire department and local officials manage the aftermath of the crash.

Fire Chief Dan Eddy discussed the situation at a news conference early this morning, saying, “We have jet fuel all over the place. Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.” 

He described the scene as “a gigantic debris field.”

What do we know about the plane?

According to the fire chief this morning, conditions were extremely foggy and
“You could barely see in front of you.”

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that it was a Cessna 550, a small private aircraft capable of carrying 6 to 8 people. The FAA also shared that “the number of people on board is unknown.”

Local authorities have not yet confirmed the number of injuries or casualties. However, video footage shows the plane in ruins. The crash occurred near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

Watch the ongoing coverage below.

(11 AM Central, May 22nd) Multiple Casualties Reported

The plane crashed in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, which is mostly military housing. As of this afternoon, casualties have been reported.

The Fire Chief shared,

“We do believe we have multiple fatalities, but we’re going to have to go through and take our time and ensure that’s exactly what we have.”

One local San Diego resident recounted the incident. Jennifer Hoffman, who lives a few streets away from the crash, shared her firsthand account of it.

“I was half-asleep and I saw a flash at the window and heard a bang. I thought it was lightning to be honest, I even checked the weather to see if it was raining out. And then I heard like bunches of pops and I was like, ‘That can’t be lightning.’ I went downstairs, I checked outside and I saw the neighborhood behind us was bright red. It was awful.”

If you need a safe place after evacuation, this local church has opened its doors.

(4 PM Central, May 22nd) 1 Plane Crash Victim Identified

The San Diego Police Department confirmed that two people are dead and eight are injured after the plane crash in the San Diego neighborhood.

One of the confirmed deaths has been identified as Dave Shapiro.

Shapiro is a co-owner of Sound Talent Group and a pilot.

It has not been confirmed, but it appears that two other STG employees were on the plane and are also deceased. A spokesperson for Sound Talent Group said,

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time.”

(1 PM Central, May 23rd) Cause Of Crash Revealed

Many were concerned and curious about how the plane crashed, as Dave Shapiro was a talented pilot.

A preliminary investigation suggests the cause of the crash.

Eliott Simpson, a senior aviation accident investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the investigator on this crash, proposed that the plane had hit a nearby power line.

“There are fragments of the aircraft under the power lines,” Simpson shared late on Thursday afternoon.

The plane was flying lower while it was descending just a few miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.

It was already known that the morning was extremely foggy and barely visible. This, combined with the low altitude, could have caused the crash: an unseen power line.

This is a developing story. Return here for further updates. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those involved in this tragedy.

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