Topline
A small plane crashed into a commercial building in southern California on Thursday, killing at least two and injuring several others, according to local authorities, who evacuated the warehouse and the surrounding area after the incident.
Key Facts
The plane crashed into a commercial building in Fullerton, California, a city about 26 miles southeast of Los Angeles, resulting in two fatalities, while 10 people were transported to a local hospital and eight people were treated and released on the scene, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time after the plane’s pilot requested an emergency landing at Fullerton Municipal Airport shortly after takeoff, according to The Orange County Register, which noted clearance was given to use either side of the runway.
More than 100 people were evacuated from the building the plane collided with, the Register reported.
Aerial footage of the crash’s aftermath from KTLA showed a plume of smoke rising from an open hole in the building’s roof, though firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze at the root of the smoke.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
What We Don’t Know
It is unclear what potential issue led to the plane’s crash or who was piloting the aircraft.. Authorities have not yet provided specifics on the exact conditions of those injured and transported away from the scene, and have also not stated what facility the plane crashed into and what it manufactures.
Key Background
The Fullerton Municipal Airport, which does not serve commercial flights, has a runway length of 3,121 feet (major commercial airports’ runways span between 8,000 and 13,000 feet). It features one runway, one heliport and is located near Disneyland. In November, another four-seat plane that took off from the airport crash landed shortly after its departure, running into a tree and injuring two.
Further Reading
Small plane crashes into Fullerton building near airport, killing at least 2 and injuring 18 (OC Register)
Small plane takes a plunge, crashes into a tree; 2 injured (Los Angeles Times)
Read the full article here