A small private jet crash in a San Diego military neighborhood kills multiple onboard, sparks fires in 15 homes, and displaces over 100 residents.
Cessna Jet Crash Sparks Disaster in Military Neighborhood
A Cessna private jet crashed into a military housing neighborhood in San Diego, killing multiple passengers. The crash ignited fires in 15 homes and vehicles, leading to evacuations. No ground casualties were reported, but the area remains hazardous due to jet fuel spread.
On-Site Emergency Response and Eyewitness Accounts
In a tragic incident early Thursday morning, a small private plane crashed in a military housing neighborhood in San Diego, California. According to Assistant Chief Dan Eddy of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the aircraft struck approximately 15 homes, causing multiple injuries and setting vehicles and homes ablaze.
“It looked like a scene from a movie,” Eddy said during a press conference, describing the aftermath.
Fatalities Confirmed, Investigation Underway
While the full number of passengers onboard is still unknown, Eddy confirmed multiple fatalities occurred—all of them on the aircraft. The plane, identified as a Cessna Citation jet, was reportedly capable of seating 8–10 people. Officials have not yet verified how many were on board during the crash.
No Ground Fatalities, But Threat Remains
Fortunately, there were no reported deaths or serious injuries on the ground.
“We haven’t pulled anyone from the scene from these houses,” Eddy said. “We’re verifying that no one was inside the damaged structures.”
One individual was hospitalized, and two others were treated for minor injuries. Multiple families were evacuated due to jet fuel leakage.
“We have jet fuel everywhere,” Eddy added. Hazmat teams are currently deployed at the scene.
Emergency Services and Community Response
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl gave a harrowing description of the crash site:
“Jet fuel was flowing down the streets, and everything was on fire at the same time. It was horrifying to witness.”
City Council Member Raul Campillo expressed condolences on X (formerly Twitter):
“Countless homes were lost, but thankfully no additional residents were harmed.”
Eyewitness Reports and Resident Experiences
A chilling video shared with NBC News showed cars engulfed in flames, with sirens blaring. Resident and Marine Corps mechanic Forrest Gallagher captured the scene:
“I smelled a strange burning odor, like rubber or plastic.”
The impacted area was confirmed to be mostly military housing.
Flight Path and Timeline
The airplane was en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego, having departed Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, and stopping in Wichita, Kansas to refuel.
According to FlightAware, the plane left Teterboro near midnight and was scheduled to land at 3:47 a.m.
Aftermath and Damage Assessment
Even hours later, jet fuel odors lingered. The site was littered with charred cars, shattered glass, and thick black smoke.
Over 50 police officers responded quickly. Authorities evacuated 100+ residents to a nearby elementary school shelter.
Terrified Families and Heroic Rescues
Christopher Moore, who lives nearby, said:
“It was terrifying, but sometimes you just have to run for safety.”
Officers rescued multiple animals, including three huskies. Families waited in parking lots, still unsure when they could return home.
City and Federal Response
Mayor Todd Gloria praised first responders:
“Once again, our hearts go out to the families affected.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash but had not verified the number of people onboard. The cause of the crash is under investigation.