Small Plane Crashes into Southern California Building: Two Dead, 19 Injured

Tragedy struck in Southern California on Thursday when a small plane crashed through the roof of a furniture manufacturing building in Fullerton, resulting in two fatalities and 19 injuries. At least 200 employees were working inside the building at the time of the incident, according to authorities.

Victims and Injuries

The two people who lost their lives are believed to have been on the plane, while those injured were inside the facility. Eleven individuals were transported to local hospitals, while eight were treated and released at the scene. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed pending notification of their next of kin, the Fullerton Police Department stated.

Details of the Crash

The plane, a single-engine Van’s RV-10, crashed less than two minutes after taking off from Fullerton Municipal Airport, located just six miles from Disneyland. Surveillance footage from a nearby business, Rucci Forged, showed the aircraft tilting on its side before plunging into the building, triggering a fiery explosion and a plume of black smoke.

Emergency services, including firefighters and police, responded promptly, battling the fire and evacuating nearby businesses. Chris Villalobos, an operations worker at the airport, mentioned that the pilot had informed air traffic control about an emergency and intended to return for an emergency landing. The specific cause of the emergency remains unclear.

Impact on the Building

The building hit by the plane housed Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer. Inside the facility were sewing machines and textile stock, with numerous employees present during the crash.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident. Officials have confirmed that the aircraft was a four-seat, single-engine Van’s RV-10. The Fullerton City Council expressed condolences, describing the crash as a “solemn tragedy.” Mayor Fred Jung stated, “The City of Fullerton is committed to providing support for all those affected and working with the agencies involved to uncover the details of this incident.”

Recent Aviation Incidents

This crash is the second aviation accident near Fullerton Municipal Airport in recent months. In November, a similar four-seat plane crashed into a tree during an emergency landing shortly after takeoff, leaving both occupants with moderate injuries.

Fullerton at a Glance

Fullerton, a city of approximately 140,000 residents, is located 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Its municipal airport has a single runway and heliport, situated near commercial warehouses and a residential neighborhood.

This incident underscores the need for rigorous safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.