Home All 50 US States All USA Updates Minute by Minute Two fatalities and 19 injuries reported in plane crash in Southern California

Two fatalities and 19 injuries reported in plane crash in Southern California

0
Two fatalities and 19 injuries reported in plane crash in Southern California

FULLERTON, Calif. — A tragic aviation incident occurred on Thursday when a small aircraft crashed into the roof of a large furniture manufacturing facility in Southern California, resulting in two fatalities and leaving 19 others injured, according to local authorities.

It is believed that the two individuals who lost their lives were aboard the plane, while the injured parties were located inside the building at the time of the crash. The Fullerton Police Department has stated that the names of the deceased will be released once next of kin have been notified.

Among the injured, eleven individuals were transported to various hospitals for treatment, while eight others received care at the scene and were subsequently discharged. The nature of the injuries varied, with some being minor and others quite serious, as explained by Deputy Chief of Fire Operations Michael Meacham.

Eliott Simpson, an investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), shared that the pilot of the aircraft requested an immediate return to the airport after reaching an altitude of approximately 900 feet. The airport tower granted permission for landing, although the pilot did not specify the cause for the emergency return.

The plane took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport and crashed less than two minutes into its flight, approximately six miles from Disneyland. According to reports, the aircraft fell about 1,000 feet short of Runway 24 during its descent.

Surveillance footage from a nearby wheel manufacturing company captured the moment when the plane, tilted to the side, crashed into the building, resulting in a massive explosion and a thick cloud of smoke.

Emergency responders, including fire crews and police, swiftly arrived at the site to combat the flames and evacuate nearby businesses, as stated by police spokesperson Kristy Wells. Chris Villalobos, an employee at the airport, mentioned that he went to the warehouse after hearing about the downed plane, noting that the aircraft’s owner often operated from Fullerton Municipal Airport.

After taking off, the pilot informed air traffic control of the need to turn back for an emergency landing, though the specific mechanical issue has yet to be clarified. The building struck by the plane was identified as Michael Nicholas Designs, a business specializing in furniture upholstery, with visible equipment like sewing machines and fabric stock inside.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently conducting an investigation into the accident. Officials have identified the aircraft as a single-engine Van’s RV-10, a four-seat model that is known for being a popular choice among kit builders. The plane was reported to have been constructed in 2011.

Fullerton Municipal Airport features a single runway and having a heliport nearby. The site is in proximity to Metrolink, a regional train service, and is surrounded by a mix of residential homes and commercial establishments.

In response to the incident, the Fullerton City Council issued a statement on social media referring to the event as a “solemn tragedy.” Mayor Fred Jung expressed his commitment to provide support to those affected and pledged to work alongside relevant agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the crash. He acknowledged the resilience and compassion of the community during such distressing times.

Additionally, this incident is reminiscent of a previous aviation occurrence when another four-seat plane made an emergency landing a half-mile from the airport last November, crashing into a tree. Fortunately, the two people on board sustained only moderate injuries.

Fullerton is home to approximately 140,000 residents and is situated around 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles.