Picture Credits: AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
San Diego, United States: A tragic aviation accident shook the city of San Diego early Thursday morning, as a Cessna Citation II business jet crashed into the residential Murphy Canyon neighborhood, killing all six people on board. Authorities have confirmed that the aircraft, registered as N666DS, was on approach to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it struck power lines and exploded into flames shortly before 4:00 a.m.
The crash set at least one home ablaze and caused damage to several others. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment the aircraft descended, trailing fire and smoke before slamming into the neighborhood in a fireball.
Victims Identified, Industry Grieves
Among those killed were music industry professionals, including Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer of the band The Devil Wears Prada. Sound Talent Group released a heartfelt statement:
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues, and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been formally released, pending family notifications.
Officials Respond, Investigations Underway
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria offered condolences to the victims’ families and praised the emergency responders:
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives. We are grateful for the swift action of our fire, police, and emergency crews who helped contain the fire and secure the neighborhood.”
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described the scene as one of the most devastating the department has witnessed:
“I can’t quite put into words the devastation. Jet fuel ran down the street, and with multiple homes catching fire at once, it was a horrific scene.”
Picture Credits: AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
More than 100 residents were evacuated from the area. Eight people on the ground suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene or transported to local hospitals.
Preliminary Crash Details
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft was in its final descent phase when it made contact with overhead power lines approximately two miles from the runway. The impact severed the power lines, caused an explosion, and ignited a blaze that rapidly engulfed part of the neighborhood.
NTSB investigator Elliot Simpson confirmed that a full investigation is now underway. One of the aircraft’s recording devices was destroyed in the crash, while the other did not contain relevant in-flight data, potentially complicating the probe.
Picture Credits: AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is assisting in the investigation, and a preliminary report is expected within the next few weeks.
This tragic incident marks one of the deadliest general aviation accidents in San Diego in recent years. Community vigils are being organized, and counseling services have been offered to residents and first responders impacted by the traumatic event.
Authorities have asked the public to avoid the crash area as cleanup operations and investigations continue.
