SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Two individuals were killed and at least eight others injured early Thursday morning when a private aircraft crashed into a residential area of San Diego’s Murphy Canyon community, sparking fires and widespread structural damage.

San Diego Police reported the incident occurred shortly before 4:00 a.m. near the intersection of Sculpin Street and Santo Road. Preliminary investigations indicate a Cessna 550 jet, en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, crashed into multiple homes and vehicles. Approximately 15 residences, many housing military families, sustained damage.

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Mayor’s Statement on the Incident

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued a statement expressing condolences to affected families and praising emergency responders: “Our focus remains on supporting victims and ensuring a thorough investigation.”

Emergency Response and Evacuations

First responders encountered significant challenges due to spilled jet fuel and damaged power lines. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy stated, “There is jet fuel spilled throughout the area. Our priority is to secure the site and ensure all residents are safely evacuated.”

An extensive debris field complicated rescue efforts in the densely populated neighborhood. Approximately 100 residents were promptly evacuated, with a temporary shelter established at Miller Elementary School (4343 Shields St.). Fires were fully extinguished by mid-morning.

Casualties and Injuries

While initial reports indicated no ground injuries, authorities later confirmed five individuals were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, with three others treated for minor injuries. The two fatalities are believed to be passengers aboard the aircraft.

The Cessna Citation II (C550) involved typically accommodates six to eight passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the ongoing investigation.

Additional Updates

- 11:45 a.m. PDT: Authorities confirm the aircraft departed from Las Vegas prior to the crash.

- 1:30 p.m. PDT: Structural engineers are assessing damaged homes; residents remain displaced.