Featured Image Credit: NBC
Topics: US News, California
Joe Yates
A small plane has crashed into a San Diego neighbourhood, setting about 15 homes on fire as well as vehicles, authorities confirm.
The plane crashed early this morning (May 22) in San Diego's Murphy Canyon neighborhood, forcing evacuations along several streets.
“We have jet fuel all over the place,” assistant Fire Department chief Dan Eddy said during a news conference. “Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.”
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He added that 'there is a direct hit to multiple homes' in the area and described 'a gigantic debris field' in a dense, packed neighbourhood.
It is currently not known if there are any injuries or casualties.
Eddy said it was very foggy at the time the private plane crashed, adding: "You could barely see in front of you."
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The Cessna 550 aircraft crashed at about 3.45am local time near the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.
"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."
It is understood that the small plane can carry between six to eight people.
The San Diego Police Department has taken to Twitter to warn residents to avoid the area.
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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."
CBS caught up with one of the residents who was evacuated from the area, whose name was not mentioned.
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'.
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"Whatever's going on, like my car, her car, everything that's inside the house - that's irrelevant just make sure everybody's safe.