SAN DIEGO — A tragic plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood has claimed multiple lives, according to local authorities. The private aircraft, which went down near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, was identified as belonging to Sound Talent Group, a music agency. Among those who perished was the agency co-founder, Dave Shapiro, who also held a pilot’s license and owned the aircraft.
As details emerge, Sound Talent Group expressed deep sorrow at the loss of Shapiro and two other employees, whose identities have not been disclosed. The agency, known for representing a range of artists including Hanson and Sum 41, released a statement conveying their condolences to the families of the victims and the broader community affected by the incident.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Dan Eddy, the assistant fire chief, indicated that the plane may have struck a power line during its descent. While initial reports stated that there were no injuries among residents, a subsequent update from police confirmed that five individuals from one family were treated for smoke inhalation. Additionally, a person sustained injuries while attempting to escape the scene, and two others were treated for minor injuries on-site.
The crash occurred amid conditions of heavy fog, with visibility significantly impaired, as described by witnesses. Eddy noted the alarming scene, stating that as the plane impacted the street, jet fuel ignited, engulfing vehicles parked along both sides. The chaos prompted an evacuation of at least 100 nearby residents, and authorities swiftly moved to close adjacent roads, diverting traffic away from the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced that the National Transportation Safety Board will oversee the investigation into the crash. Eyewitness Christopher Moore recounted his experience with the harrowing noise of the crash, which startled him and his family awake. They escaped their home just in time to witness flames engulfing vehicles as they fled the neighborhood.
The precise number of individuals on board the aircraft remains unclear, although officials confirmed that the plane can accommodate between eight to ten passengers. As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to establish the causes and circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
This incident marks a grim reminder of previous aviation accidents in the area, including a twin-engine plane crash in 2021, which resulted in fatalities and significant property damage. The community is left grappling with the ramifications of this latest tragedy, as families mourn the loss of loved ones.