Several Feared Dead as Jet Crashes into San Diego Neighborhood, Homes Destroyed

A tragic plane crash rocked the Tierrasanta neighborhood of San Diego in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, leaving several people feared dead and dozens of homes destroyed.

Authorities said the small aircraft—a Cessna Citation jet capable of carrying up to 10 people—crashed into the Murphy Canyon area just before 4 a.m., igniting multiple fires and prompting mass evacuations.

San Diego Assistant Fire Chief, Dan Eddy, confirmed that there were “multiple fatalities” among those on board the jet, though the exact number of passengers remains unknown. The crash has displaced approximately 100 residents from the military-family-dominated neighborhood.

“The scene was devastating,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “With jet fuel running down the streets and multiple homes ablaze, it was unlike anything I’ve witnessed.”

Emergency responders swiftly moved in to control the blaze and assist survivors. Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims.

The crash comes nearly five years after a similar aviation accident in nearby Santee, which claimed the lives of a UPS driver and a pilot.

Investigations into the cause of Thursday’s crash are ongoing.