San Diego Horror: Plane Crash Kills 6, Homes Destroyed by Inferno | Quick Smart News

San Diego Plane Crash: Tragedy Strikes Murphy Canyon Neighborhood

On the early morning of May 22, 2025, a private jet crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, California, leaving a trail of devastation. The Cessna 550, carrying six passengers, plummeted into a residential area primarily housing U.S. Navy families, sparking fires that consumed homes and vehicles. The tragedy claimed the lives of all aboard and disrupted the lives of many residents. Here’s a detailed overview of the catastrophic event:

Crash Details and Fatalities:

• A private Cessna 550 jet, capable of carrying up to 10 passengers, crashed around 3:47 a.m. in dense fog.

• The plane, en route to Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, struck a power line before slamming into a home, leading to the presumed deaths of all six people on board.

• Among the victims were Dave Shapiro, a prominent music talent agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and Daniel Williams, former drummer for The Devil Wears Prada.

Impact on the Neighborhood

• The crash occurred in Murphy Canyon, the largest U.S. Navy-owned housing community in the country.

• One home was completely destroyed, with its front charred and roof collapsed, while approximately 10 to 15 other homes sustained damage from fires and debris.

• Jet fuel spilled across the streets, igniting multiple vehicles and creating a massive debris field described by officials as “like a movie scene.”

Emergency Response and Evacuations:

• San Diego Fire-Rescue, police, military police, and other agencies responded swiftly, evacuating nearly 100 residents to a nearby school.

• Firefighters battled intense flames fueled by jet fuel, while police rescued animals, including three husky puppies, from the affected area.

• No fatalities were reported among residents, though eight people on the ground suffered minor injuries, including five from one family treated for smoke inhalation.

Investigation and Possible Causes:

• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating, with early reports suggesting the plane clipped a power line about two miles from the crash site.

• Dense fog significantly reduced visibility, potentially contributing to the accident, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

• The plane, registered to Daviator, a company owned by Dave Shapiro, had departed from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a stop in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to San Diego.

Community Impact and Recovery :

• The crash displaced over 100 residents, with no immediate timeline provided for their return home.
• Neighbors rallied to assist, with one resident helping evacuate a family from the directly impacted home.
• The scene was marked by charred vehicles, a collapsed home, and a lingering smell of jet fuel as investigators combed through the wreckage.

This tragic event has left the Murphy Canyon community reeling, with residents facing the loss of homes and possessions. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover why the jet went down, while the community begins the long process of recovery. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those affected by this devastating crash.