Fire-Rescue Division Chief Dan Eddy and local authorities found themselves scrambling to contain chaos as an aircraft fell from the sky, igniting a massive fire and triggering a hazardous materials response. With military coordination underway and jet fuel threatening the area, residents and first responders braced for a long, tense day.

According to The Western Journal, a small Cessna 550 airplane crashed near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:47 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, engulfing several cars and sparking a dangerous fire in a densely populated section of San Diego. Hazmat teams and emergency crews rushed to Salmon Street, near Tierrasanta, as plumes of smoke and the threat of jet fuel exposure complicated rescue efforts.

Early reports from police and fire officials revealed that, despite the devastation, no one had yet been transported from the scene—a glimmer of hope amid widespread uncertainty. Authorities continued to urge locals to stay away, as the full extent of injuries and potential fatalities remained unclear.

Residents stunned by fiery crash

Neighbors awoke to the sound of sirens and the sight of flames as first responders battled a fierce blaze that quickly spread through the residential area. Most homes in Murphy Canyon are occupied by military families, intensifying concerns for those stationed at nearby bases. The 3100 block of Salmon Street became the epicenter of chaos, with families forced to evacuate and streets closed off as firefighters worked to contain the inferno.

San Diego Police issued a public warning on X, formerly Twitter, urging all travelers and commuters to avoid the area. The department’s statement read: "SDPD is responding to a plane crash near Sculpin St and Santo Rd. Please avoid the area while crews work. More info will be shared as it becomes available."

Chief Dan Eddy described the complexity of the scene, noting, “There are multiple cars engulfed. We have jet fuel all over the place.” Exposure to jet fuel, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs, has been linked to negative effects on the nervous system and motor functions, raising concerns for both emergency personnel and civilians.

Hazmat teams and military join response

With jet fuel leaking and flames consuming vehicles, hazmat crews were called in to prevent further environmental and health hazards. Firefighters coordinated with military officials, reflecting the unique character of the Murphy Canyon neighborhood. As the fire raged, Eddy emphasized the coordinated approach: "We have hazmat on scene, and we asked for more resources. We are also working with the military.”

The operation’s main priority, Eddy explained, was to clear all homes and ensure no residents were trapped or injured. Only after securing the residences would crews move to the crash site itself, where the wrecked plane and burning cars presented a secondary set of dangers.

Media outlets captured dramatic footage of the aftermath, showing emergency workers navigating debris and smoke under the glare of floodlights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a brief statement confirming the incident and noting that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would take the lead in the investigation.

Their statement underscored the uncertainty: “The number of people on board is unknown at this time. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”

Uncertainty lingers as investigation continues

As dawn broke, anxious residents and military families awaited updates on potential injuries or fatalities. Official sources, including the latest police and fire briefings, indicated that—at least initially—no victims had been transported from the crash scene. However, the situation remained fluid, with authorities unable to confirm whether anyone had been killed or seriously hurt.

The FAA’s investigation, now underway in coordination with the NTSB, will focus on determining the cause of the crash, the number of occupants on the plane, and the full scope of the damage. Local officials stressed that information could change as search and recovery teams accessed the most dangerous sections of the crash zone.

Community leaders and residents expressed gratitude for the rapid response but voiced frustration over continued uncertainty. Many questioned whether enough was being done to protect military housing from similar incidents, while others praised the professionalism and calm displayed by first responders in a crisis.

Search for victims and answers underway

A small Cessna 550 crashed at 3:47 a.m. in the military-heavy Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, setting multiple cars on fire and spilling jet fuel across the area. Fire-Rescue Division Chief Dan Eddy led a response with hazmat and military teams, focusing on clearing homes and containing environmental hazards, while police urged residents to avoid the area.

Authorities have yet to confirm injuries or fatalities as the FAA and NTSB begin their investigation into what caused the plane to go down. Residents, many of them military families, now await updates on the search for victims and the cleanup process, with the neighborhood’s recovery and safety remaining top priorities.