Plane Crash in Fullerton Leaves Two Dead, 18 Injured
A devastating plane crash in Fullerton has claimed two lives and left at least 18 injured. The tragic incident occurred Thursday afternoon when a small plane slammed into the roof of a warehouse near Fullerton Municipal Airport.
Details of the Crash
- Time & Location: The crash was reported at 2:10 p.m. on the 2300 block of West Raymer Avenue, adjacent to the airport.
- Initial Reports: Emergency calls initially described the event as a structure fire, later confirmed to be caused by a plane crash. Video footage from Sky5 revealed a large hole in the roof of a commercial building, with no visible plane wreckage.
- Fire Response: Firefighters battled flames inside the warehouse, while nearby buildings were evacuated. Several ambulances were stationed on-site to transport injured individuals.
Casualties and Injuries
- Early Reports: By 2:40 p.m., the Fullerton Police Department confirmed there were “unknown casualties.” Shortly after, it was announced that nine people were hospitalized, while six others were treated and released at the scene.
- Updated Toll: By 4:45 p.m., the death toll rose to two. An additional three individuals were treated for injuries, with one requiring hospitalization.
- Deceased Victim Identified: Authorities believe one of the deceased was the plane’s pilot.
Visuals and Community Response
- Eyewitness Video: Video shared on the Citizen App showed a thick plume of black smoke rising from the warehouse roof as fire trucks and emergency responders rushed to the scene.
- Road Closures: Police closed off several roads around the area, urging drivers to avoid the scene.
- Community Statement: Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung and the City Council expressed their gratitude to first responders, commending their courage and dedication.
- “Your extraordinary efforts remind us of the strength and resilience of our community,” said Mayor Jung.
- The City Council pledged to support those affected by the tragedy.
About the Aircraft
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the plane as an “experimental aircraft,” commonly used for recreational purposes. While these planes are often amateur-built, they must meet FAA licensing and inspection standards.
- This crash follows a similar incident in November, where two individuals narrowly escaped injury after their plane crashed into a tree near the same airport.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities, including the FAA, are working to determine what led to the accident. More updates will follow as details emerge.
