A small aircraft crashed into a military-owned dwellings complex in San Diego, California, resulting in three fatalities and prompting the evacuation of about 100 residents.
According to local media, including the Associated Press, a privately owned small aircraft crashed into a U.S. Navy-owned dwellings complex in San Diego around 4 a.m. on the 22nd (local time). At the time of the accident, the scene was shrouded in thick fog, and it is reported that the aircraft struck power lines before colliding with the dwellings.
The crash severely burned one dwelling and caused the roof to collapse, while nearby 10 dwellings also suffered some damage. Six vehicles parked on the road were either destroyed by the fire or sustained soot damage.
Three people on board the aircraft died, and about 100 residents who were startled by the crash noise evacuated urgently. Some residents showed symptoms of minor injuries or smoke inhalation during the evacuation process.
Among the deceased was Dave Shapiro, co-founder of the record planning company "Sound Talent Group." The company stated in a press release that three employees died in the accident.
Shapiro is the registered owner of the crashed aircraft and holds a pilot's license, raising the possibility that he was piloting the plane. According to his LinkedIn profile, Shapiro also operates the record label "Velocity Records" and the flight school "Velocity Aviation."
"Sound Talent Group" is the company associated with the pop band "Hanson," known for their hit song "MMMBop" in the 1990s.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that a total of six people were on board the aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the accident.