San Diego Plane Crash Devastates Neighborhood Multiple Dead and Homes Destroyed
Tragedy struck early Thursday morning as a private jet crashed into a quiet residential neighborhood in San Diego, igniting fires and causing widespread devastation. The crash occurred at approximately 4:00 AM CT on May 22nd, leaving at least two people dead, eight injured, and 15 homes severely damaged.
“A Gigantic Debris Field”: Emergency Crews Battle Flames and Chaos
According to San Diego Fire Chief Dan Eddy, the situation was described as nothing short of catastrophic. Speaking during a 9:00 AM press conference, he stated:
“We have jet fuel all over the place. Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now.”
Emergency services quickly evacuated nearby residents while two schools and one major road were shut down to allow firefighters and officials to manage the dangerous aftermath. The entire Murphy Canyon neighborhood, home to many military families, has been rocked by this devastating event.
What We Know About the Aircraft
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane was a Cessna 550, a small business jet capable of seating six to eight passengers. Due to dense fog in the area, visibility was extremely limited. Chief Eddy noted, “You could barely see in front of you.”
The aircraft reportedly crashed just a few miles from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, a small regional airport frequently used for private and business flights.
“It Was Awful”: Local Resident Recalls the Moment of Impact
Jennifer Hoffman, a San Diego resident living a few blocks from the scene, shared her chilling account of the crash:
“I was half-asleep and I saw a flash at the window and heard a bang. I thought it was lightning… and then I heard a bunch of pops. I checked outside and the neighborhood behind us was glowing red. It was awful.”
For evacuees seeking shelter, a local church in the community has opened its doors to provide temporary refuge.
By 4:00 PM CT, the San Diego Police Department confirmed the loss of two lives in the crash. Among the deceased is Dave Shapiro, a well-known figure in the music industry and co-founder of Sound Talent Group. He was also a licensed pilot.
A spokesperson for Sound Talent Group released the following statement:
“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.”
While not officially confirmed, early reports suggest that two other STG employees may have also been on board and did not survive.
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