Tragedy struck in Fullerton, Southern California when a small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing building killing two people and injuring 18 others, officials said on Thursday afternoon.
The single-engine Van’s RV-10 aircraft went down at 2:15 PM PST (10:15 PM WAT) near the Fullerton Municipal Airport causing a fiery explosion that shook the surrounding area.
Ten people were taken to hospital with injuries, while eight others received treatment on-site and were released.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the pilot was attempting to return to the airport shortly after takeoff when the plane crashed into the building, which houses the Michael Nicholas Designs furniture factory.
The crash ignited a fire that firefighters
quickly brought under control. Security footage from a nearby building captured the moment of the explosion showing a large ball of fire erupting from the structure.
It is unclear whether the two people who died were onboard the plane or inside the building at the time of the crash.
Congressman Lou Correa who represents the Orange County area confirmed that several of the injured victims were factory workers.
Juanita Ramirez, a factory employee, described the harrowing moment when the plane hit.
“I heard a loud bang and saw a big fireball coming toward me. It felt like a dream.”
Witness Mark Anderson told KRCA-TV that the explosion left people in shock*.
“It was a large boom, and then someone ran out shouting, ‘Oh my gosh, the building’s on fire.”
About 100 employees were eventually evacuated from the factory.
Authorities are evacuating nearby buildings and have cordoned off the crash site, urging the public to stay away from the area.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigators are working to determine whether mechanical failure or human error played a role.
This crash marks the second plane acciden in the Fullerton area in the past two months.
On 25 November 2024, another plane crashed one block away, striking a tree. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported in that incident.
