Plane Crash in Southern California Claims Two Lives and Injures 19
In a tragic incident on Thursday, two individuals lost their lives, and 19 others sustained injuries when a small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing facility in Southern California, which housed at least 200 employees at the time.
Incident Overview
The small aircraft, identified as a single-engine, four-seat Van’s RV-10, crashed through the roof of the building shortly after taking off from Fullerton Municipal Airport. Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased were likely the occupants of the plane, while those injured were employees inside the facility. The Fullerton Police Department has stated that the identities of the deceased will be released after notifying next of kin.
Of the 19 injured, eleven were transported to local hospitals, while eight were treated and released at the scene.
Eyewitness Accounts
Security camera footage from a nearby manufacturing company, Rucci Forged, captured the plane tilting as it descended, resulting in an explosion and a dense plume of black smoke. Witnesses described the chaotic scene as firefighters and police rushed to extinguish the flames and evacuate surrounding businesses.
Chris Villalobos, an operations worker at the airport, arrived on site after being informed of the crash. He noted that the plane’s owner was a frequent flyer at the airport, with a hangar nearby.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reportedly informed air traffic control of the need to return for an emergency landing, although the exact issue with the aircraft remains unclear.
The Affected Facility
The building that was struck was occupied by Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer known for its sewing machines and textile inventory.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are launching investigations into the crash. The Fullerton City Council expressed its condolences on social media, labeling the event a “solemn tragedy.” Mayor Fred Jung emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting those impacted and working alongside relevant agencies to uncover the details of the incident.
Previous Accidents
In a related incident, another small four-seat plane crashed into a tree just half a mile from the airport last November during an emergency landing, resulting in moderate injuries for both individuals aboard.
Fullerton, a city with a population of approximately 140,000, is situated about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles.