Tragedy Strikes in Fullerton: Two Dead and Eighteen Injured as Small Plane Crashes into Commercial Building
Fullerton, California: A small plane crashed into a commercial building in Southern California on Thursday afternoon, leaving two dead and 18 others injured. Authorities reported that the injuries ranged from minor to severe, with nine victims hospitalized and the remaining treated on-site. The crash took place in the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue, Fullerton, at approximately 2:09 pm local time.
Local news footage showed large plumes of black smoke rising from the building, which was engulfed in flames following the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the plane as a single-engine Van’s RV-10. U.S. Representative Lou Correa, who represents parts of Orange County, shared that the aircraft had crashed into a furniture manufacturing facility.
The crash occurred near Fullerton Municipal Airport, roughly six miles from Disneyland. The airport, primarily serving general aviation, features a single runway and heliport, and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, including a Metrolink train line.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by thick smoke, as security cameras from nearby businesses captured dramatic footage of the crash. The plane was seen tilting on its side before colliding with the building. Firefighters and police swiftly responded to the scene, battling the blaze and evacuating nearby businesses. A warehouse containing sewing machines and textile stock was among the damaged structures.
At this stage, it remains unclear how many of the injured were inside the plane and how many were on the ground. Flight-tracking data from FlightAware suggested the aircraft, a four-seat, single-engine plane, crashed roughly a minute after takeoff.
This incident follows a similar crash in early November, when another four-seat plane crashed while attempting an emergency landing shortly after takeoff. Fortunately, the two individuals on board that plane survived with moderate injuries.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, and the Fullerton police department, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is leading the probe into the incident. As the community reels from this tragedy, the full scope of the crash’s impact, including the fate of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the crash, will unfold in the coming days.
