Small Plane Crashes in San Diego, Ignites Fire in 15 Homes

A small plane crashed into a neighborhood in San Diego, California, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, causing a large fire that burned about 15 homes. The accident happened early in the day near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The plane involved was a Cessna 550, a small private aircraft. The crash caused serious damage, including fires that spread quickly to many houses.

San Diego’s Assistant Fire Department Chief, Dan Eddy, said that the plane hit several homes directly. This caused a lot of destruction and a dangerous situation for the people living nearby. The fire department acted quickly to control the fire and help residents leave the area safely. They evacuated three streets close to the crash site to protect people from harm.

Chief Eddy said, “We have jet fuel all over the place.” Jet fuel spilled everywhere, making the fires harder to control and raising the risk of explosions. His team’s priority was to check every home and make sure everyone was out and safe.

Television footage showed rows of cars burnt down to their metal frames. At least one house was badly damaged, with flames engulfing the building. The crash and fire have shocked the local community and emergency teams.

The San Diego Police Department has asked the public to be cautious. They told people not to touch or move any debris they find. If anyone smells jet fuel or sees plane parts, they should call the authorities immediately. This is important for safety because jet fuel is highly flammable and dangerous.

At the time of reporting, the number of people on the plane was not known. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which handles investigations of aviation accidents, said they are looking into the incident. Their investigation will focus on what caused the plane to crash and how the fire started.

Emergency responders are still working in the area. They continue to put out fires, search for any survivors or victims, and help people affected by the crash. The accident has left many families displaced, and local authorities are providing support and shelter.

Safety concerns and ongoing investigation

Plane crashes in residential areas are very rare but can be very dangerous. This crash has raised concerns about safety near airports and residential zones. Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is close to many homes, and this incident shows how quickly accidents can affect the community.

The FAA is conducting a full investigation. They will study the plane’s condition, the weather at the time of the crash, and the pilot’s actions. The goal is to find out why the crash happened to prevent similar accidents in the future.

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The fire department and police have warned people to stay away from the crash site. They continue to secure the area and work on cleaning up the wreckage. They are also making sure there are no remaining fire risks.

The community is coming together to support those who lost their homes or were injured. Local groups and government agencies are offering help, including temporary housing and food supplies.

This event is a reminder of how important emergency preparedness is, especially near airports and busy areas. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow instructions from emergency officials during such crises.

The investigation is expected to take several weeks. Meanwhile, San Diego authorities remain focused on recovery and safety for all residents in the affected area.