23
May
May
PRIVATE JET CRASHES INTO SAN DIEGO NEIGHBORHOOD, KILLING MULTIPLE ON BOARD
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CapitalTimesNews / 1 month
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- 2 min read
A devastating plane crash occurred in a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning, resulting in multiple fatalities on board. The private jet, carrying six people, hit a power line in foggy weather and crashed into a home, causing a massive fireball and explosions that damaged surrounding houses and vehicles. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene as “pretty horrific,” with jet fuel rolling down the streets and igniting half a dozen vehicles. “I can’t quite put words to describe what the scene looks like, but with the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see,” Wahl said. The victims included music talent agent Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and two employees. Shapiro’s company represented notable artists such as Hanson, Vanessa Carlton, and Sum 41. Daniel Williams, former drummer for metal band The Devil Wears Prada, was also on board, according to Instagram posts. The plane, a 1985 Cessna 550 Citation, was headed to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it crashed about 2 miles southeast of the airfield. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, with investigators spending Thursday and Friday gathering evidence at the scene. Residents in the neighborhood were shaken awake by the crash and subsequent explosions. Ben McCarty, who lives in the home that was hit, recounted the terrifying moment: “My wife was screaming, and she’s like, ‘There’s a fire.’” They escaped with their children and dogs, but their vehicles were destroyed. Ariya Waterworth, another resident, woke up to a “whooshing sound” and saw a giant fireball outside. “I definitely do feel blessed, because we’ve been spared,” she said. At least 100 residents were evacuated, and eight people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and injuries that were not life-threatening. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with the NTSB welcoming any video or witness details.
