Small Plane Crashes Into San Diego Neighborhood Igniting 15 Homes, Prompting Evacuations

A Cessna 550 small private plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport during foggy conditions early Thursday morning, setting about 15 homes and multiple vehicles on fire and causing widespread evacuations. Authorities described the crash site as a "gigantic debris field" with jet fuel spilled across the area, complicating rescue efforts and prompting hazmat teams to respond. Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy emphasized the priority of evacuating residents and ensuring no one remained inside the affected homes, many of which suffered direct hits. The number of people on board the aircraft and any injuries remain unknown as investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are underway. This incident adds to a series of recent small plane crashes across the U.S., some of which have resulted in fatalities. Officials are continuing to assess the damage and conduct thorough searches in the densely populated Murphy Canyon neighborhood.