A plane, crashing in Fullerton, California, has taken two lives and injured at least 18 on Thursday afternoon. A small aircraft plummeted Thursday afternoon into the roof of a warehouse on the 2300 block of West Raymer Avenue, near the Fullerton Municipal Airport, about 2:10 p.m.
The authorities stated that the crash led to a fire that had compelled people in neighboring buildings to evacuate. Video footage captured the gaping hole on the roof of the warehouse and the black thick smoke emitting from the place. First responders struggled to douse the fire while offering medical assistance to the casualties.
According to the Fullerton Police, nine victims were taken to local hospitals; however, six were treated at the scene and were released. The death toll later rose to two, while three more individuals needed medical treatment.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene, with one remarking on a loud explosion and the subsequent flames engulfing the building. Emergency crews evacuated the surrounding area and advised drivers to avoid nearby roads.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane was a single-engine Van’s RV-10, an experimental, homebuilt aircraft. It said initial reports were that the pilot tried to return to the airport shortly after takeoff but declined to further comment on that aspect of the incident, as the cause remains under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
In a statement, Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung thanked the first responders for their prompt action and vowed to support those who were affected by the tragedy. “Our community’s strength and resilience will guide us through this difficult time,” he said.
This is the second small plane incident near Fullerton Municipal Airport in recent months, raising questions about safety measures in the area.
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