2 dead and 18 injured in Southern California plane crash
Share and Follow


FULLERTON, Calif. (AP) — Two people died and 18 were injured Thursday when a small plane crashed through the roof of a sprawling furniture manufacturing building in Southern California where at least 200 people were working, police said.

The identities of the people who died, and whether they were in the plane or on the ground, was not yet known, said Kristy Wells, a Fullerton police spokesperson.

The plane crashed less than two minutes after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport in Orange County, located just six miles (10 kilometers) from Disneyland, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.

Security camera footage from Rucci Forged, a wheel manufacturer across the street, shows the plane was tilted on its side as it dove into the building, causing a fiery explosion and black plume of smoke.

Firefighters and police arrived on scene and battled the blaze and evacuated surrounding businesses, Wells said.

Chris Villalobos, an airport operations worker, came to the warehouse to see what had happened after receiving a phone call about a plane going down nearby.

He said the owner of the aircraft was a regular at the airport and has frequently taken off from there.

“He has a hangar here and everything,” Villalobos said.

Villalobos said that after taking off, the pilot told air traffic control he was going to turn around to make an emergency landing, but it was unclear what the issue with the plane was.

The building was occupied by Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer, according to a sign on a door, and there appeared to be sewing machines and textile stock inside.

Ten people were taken to the hospital, while eight were treated and released at the scene, police said. There were two confirmed deaths, according to Wells.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane was a single-engine Van’s RV-10, a four-seat aircraft.

The airport in Fullerton has one runway and a heliport. Metrolink, a regional train line, is nearby and flanks a residential neighborhood and commercial warehouse buildings.

Another four-seat plane crashed into a tree a half-mile from the airport last November while making an emergency landing right after takeoff, the Orange County Register reported. Both people on board suffered moderate injuries.

Fullerton is a city of about 140,000 people some 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles.

___

Associated Press writer Amy Taxin in Orange County and photographer Eugene Garcia in Fullerton contributed.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Enrollment deadline extended for Illinois health insurance plans beginning Feb. 1

Illinois Health Insurance Enrollment Deadline Extended: Secure Coverage by Feb. 1

In a move aimed at easing the pressure on consumers, Illinois residents…
Justice Department sues landlords for rent-hiking algorithm scheme

Former Congressional Staffer Allegedly Involved in Massive Government Cellphone Theft, Authorities Report

Federal prosecutors have revealed that over a span of five months in…
Florida Sex Money Murder gang leader convicted, faces up to 5 life sentences

Florida Gang Leader of ‘Sex Money Murder’ Convicted, Could Receive Five Life Sentences

Officials report that the gang leader skillfully orchestrated operations while steering clear…
State Department issues a travel advisory for Caribbean destination due to 'risk of crime'

Urgent Travel Alert: State Department Warns of Increased Crime Risk in Popular Caribbean Paradise

The U.S. State Department has recently elevated its travel advisory for Grenada,…
Man shot by Border Patrol in Oregon charged with assault against a federal officer

Oregon Incident: Man Shot by Border Patrol Faces Charges for Assaulting Federal Officer

Two individuals wounded by federal agents on January 8 in Portland, Oregon,…
Cold blasts this week could worsen the spread of flu

Arctic Temperatures Surge Risk of Flu as Cold Front Sweeps Nation

Chilly temperatures provide the perfect environment for flu transmission. ATLANTA — With…
Chicago Bears stadium news: Survey asks season ticket holders whether they'd support move to northwest Indiana

Chicago Bears’ Bold Move: Survey Reveals Fan Support for Potential Relocation to Northwest Indiana

CHICAGO (WLS) — Following their thrilling wild-card victory, the Chicago Bears are…
Bessent's desperate late-night call to Trump over economic 'mess'

Urgent Midnight Plea: Bessent Reaches Out to Trump Over Looming Economic Crisis

The ongoing Justice Department investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell prompted…