Residents in El Cajon, Calif., near San Diego, stared in disbelief as a small business jet crashed into their neighbourhood Monday night, leaving a fiery trail of destruction strewn over several blocks.
Footage of the crash became widely circulated over social media sites, with the most notable footage being captured by a Google Nest camera, appearing to show the aircraft falling from the sky and exploding on impact.
Upon arrival of emergency personnel and local media, large plumes of fire and smoke were emitting from the scene of the wreckage.
Early reports suggest the aircraft struck one home and that 2,500 residents were left without power as a result. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, however, rain present in the region is being considered as a possible factor.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed in a statement that a small aircraft had crashed on Monday, Dec. 27 just after 7 p.m., and that fire crews on the scene were unable to recover any bodies from the wreckage. Police say the departure or arrival origin of the aircraft is yet to be determined.
Firefighters are currently combing the scene, with no sign of survivors. The medical examiner’s office is providing its services to determine cause of death, as well as notify next of kin.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department took to social media to offer their deepest condolences to the loved ones lost in the plane crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will disect the wreckage in the hopes of seeking answers as to what was the contributing factor that led to this disaster. The American Red Cross is also set to provide assistance Wednesday to residents who are still experiencing a loss of power.
In an update posted at 11:57 p.m., the local sheriff’s department alerted the public that the fire has been extinguished, and they are turning to the public for photos and videos of the plane crash that would aid its investigation.
As more details emerge, an Instagram post by the department representing the union identified the victims as two flight nurses, along with two pilots.
“It is with heavy hearts that the Oceanside Firefighters Association Local 3736 fire family would like to extend our deepest condolences to our recently retired Chief Ward, his family and all family and friends of the members lost during this tragic event,” the caption reads.
The plane was transporting the staff from Gillespie Field after completing a medical transfer to Orange County, California.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.