In a tragic incident on Thursday afternoon, a small plane crashed into a commercial building near Fullerton Municipal Airport in southern California. The accident resulted in the death of two individuals and injuries to 18 others, authorities confirmed.

Details of the Incident

The single engine aircraft, identified as a Vans' RV10, struck the roof of a furniture manufacturing unit shortly after 2.00-pm, leaving a large hole in the building. The crash site is approximately 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

Local officials reported that the plane went down moments after takeoff, igniting a fire and causing chaos in the area. Dark clouds of smoke rose from the structure, as captured in aerial footage shared by local news outlets. First responders swiftly reached the location to address the emergency.

Evacuations and Casualties

Fullerton Police Department spokesperson Kristy Wells confirmed that two individuals lost their lives in the crash. However, it remains unclear whether the deceased were on board the plane or inside the building.

Emergency crews evacuated everyone from the building and surrounding businesses as a precaution. Ten people were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe, while eight others were treated at the scene.

Investigation Underway

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to uncover the cause of the crash. Early indications suggest that the aircraft experienced trouble shortly after taking off.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about air safety near densely populated urban areas. Officials have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved in the crash was a single-engine Van's RV-10, a popular model known for its versatility and performance in general aviation. According to the FAA, the crash occurred at approximately 2:15-pm, local time. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading to the incident, while local authorities have secured the area to facilitate the ongoing inquiry. The Van's RV-10 is often used by aviation enthusiasts for personal and recreational flying, adding significance to the investigation as experts examine potential factors such as mechanical failure, weather conditions, or pilot error.