Multiple people killed after plane crashes into homes in San Diego

Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

SAN DIEGO – Multiple people were killed when a small plane crashed into a military housing community in San Diego early Thursday morning, damaging around 15 homes, several vehicles and displacing about 100 people.

The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of Sample and Salmon streets in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, near Tierrasanta, just west of the Admiral Baker Golf Course. Meanwhile, a five-alarm fire was reported around 3:50 a.m. at 10257 Sample St., according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Multiple people were killed in the crash, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Vehicles and houses are damaged after a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Police did not immediately provide a precise number, nor did they give any indication who those people were.

A person was hospitalized, and two people were treated for injuries then released, police said. It was unclear if the treated victims were residents of the community.

Officials said at least 10 people were believed to have been aboard the Cessna, which was registered out of the Midwest.

As of 7:45 a.m., most of fire had been extinguished except for a vehicle fire that refused to go out, fire officials said.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said they had more than 50 officers that were able to get to the crash site in minutes then started evacuating the area and homes.

“With the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see,” Wahl said.

“We have had an extraordinary response effort here led by San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and San Diego Police Department. What you see is a collaborative effort with county, state and federal partners as well as our partners in the community,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Our city will be supporting these families who were impacted here. They are a part of the military community that makes up our city. Proud partners of our community. And we will support them for as long as it takes to make sure we get back to good here in Tierrasanta.”

Fire-Rescue Chief Dan Eddy said it was foggy at the time the private plane crashed. “You could barely see in front of you,” he said.

“On behalf of our city, I extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of those aboard the plane. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego Police Department, CalFire and military police for their swift, coordinated response that quickly evacuated residents, extinguished fires and secured the area to ensure this tragedy was not compounded. San Diego will support the Navy as they assist the residents affected by this tragedy,” Gloria added.

The northbound Interstate 15 off-ramp to Aero Drive was temporarily shut down. All southbound lanes near Santo Road were also temporarily closed, according to Caltrans.

A temporary evacuation center was set up at 4343 Shields St. at Miller Elementary School. Hancock and Miller elementary schools were closed Thursday. Childcare for both schools were expected to be provided at Miller Elementary.

Evacuations were in effect for Salmon, Sample and Sculpin streets, according to police.

Some 130 personnel were assigned to the fire, including 13 engines, five trucks and four medical supervisors, officials said.

It was unclear what prompted the plane crash, but crews were expected to remain on scene to sweep the area and check for hot spots and further debris.

The Red Cross and San Diego Humane Society assisted in the effort.

“A Cessna 550 crashed near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in California around 3:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, May 22. The number of people on board is unknown at this time. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates,” the Federal Aviation Administration announced in a statement.

The area surrounding the crash site was expected to be temporarily closed for the day as the FAA investigates, police said.

Authorities advised anyone who smells jet fuel or finds debris near the scene of the crash site to call 619-531-2000. (CNS)