In the early hours of Thursday morning, residents in San Diego’s Tierrasanta neighborhood were jolted awake by fire and chaos after a small private jet crashed into a military housing area. Emergency crews confirmed multiple fatalities at the scene, and the damage left behind is being called one of the worst aviation disasters in the city’s recent history.
Crash Site: Military Housing in Flames, Power Lines Down
The crash occurred just before 4 a.m. Pacific time, sending a fireball through the quiet residential area. According to Assistant San Diego Fire Chief Dan Eddy, the crash ignited jet fuel that spread down the street, setting vehicles and homes ablaze.
Downed power lines and widespread damage forced the evacuation of local residents. Authorities shut down two nearby schools and urged everyone to avoid the area while emergency operations continued.
What Authorities Know So Far
The San Diego Police Department confirmed in a social media update that there were multiple fatalities, with one individual remaining hospitalized and two others treated and released.
The plane, which had capacity for 8–10 passengers, was reportedly on its way from Wichita, Kansas, to San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Flight Aware shows a Cessna Citation II jet scheduled to land at 3:47 a.m., just minutes before the crash.
At this time, it is unclear exactly how many people were on board the aircraft.
Fog and Low Visibility May Have Played a Role
One potential factor in the crash: heavy early-morning fog. Fire Chief Eddy noted that visibility was extremely poor at the time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
More details will be released as officials continue their on-site analysis and review of flight data.
Residents in Shock as Cleanup and Investigation Begin
Neighbors described the impact as “horrifying,” with one resident, Christopher Moore, saying he was just one street over from the crash.
“Sometimes, you’ve just got to drop your head and get to safety,” Moore said.
Emergency crews remain at the scene, working to secure the area and support affected families.
Stay Safe and Stay Informed
If you live in the Tierrasanta area, continue to follow official updates and avoid the crash zone for your safety.
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This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
