San Diego plane crash: Musician, founder of music agency among those dead

SAN DIEGO - At least six people died after a private plane crashed into a neighborhood in San Diego early Thursday morning. 

The plane crashed in the neighborhood of Murphy Canyon, which is home to several military families. Roughly 100 people were evacuated. 

Fatalities confirmed

What we know:

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed six deaths-- all were aboard the plane.

The music agency, Sound Talent Group, said three of its employees had died in the crash. The agency’s co-founder, Dave Shapiro, is among the dead. Shapiro is listed as the owner of the plane and has a pilot’s license, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

"We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time," a spokesperson for Sound Talent Group said in a statement to FOX 11.

Another victim was identified as Daniel Williams, the former drummer of the band The Devil Wears Prada.

San Diego neighborhood rocked by early morning plane crash 

Timeline:

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Chief Robert Logan said they responded to reports of a plane down in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood, near Sculpin Street and Santo Road, just before 4 a.m. The area is just off the 15 Freeway. 

Arriving firefighters found multiple homes and vehicles on fire. Assistant San Diego Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy said firefighters initiated a quick attack and eventually upgraded it a second-alarm fire. Officers quickly evacuated houses in the area and homes south of the scene. 

"This is one of the largest military housing units in the world," said Captain Bob Heely, Commanding Officer of Naval Base San Diego. "Our foremost concern right now is to make sure that we have the safety of our families who reside [in the area]."

Of those injured, six were treated at the scene and two others were taken to the hospital from the evacuation center. One of the patients was being treated for smoke inhalation and the other was being treated for injuries sustained after jumping out of a window to safety. 

Video from the scene shows homes and cars damaged by the flames. One home was destroyed and at least 10 others in the US Navy-owned neighborhood were damaged, mainly by the fire. 

Details about the flight 

According to Elliott Simpson, an investigator with the NTSB, the 1985 Cessna 550 citation aircraft departed from Teterboro, New Jersey around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday. It stopped at Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita, Kansas to fuel up, then departed for Montgomery-Gibbs Executive airport in San Diego where it was scheduled to arrive at 3:47 a.m. 

As the plane was attempting to land at Montgomery, it struck power lines about two miles southeast of the airport, then struck a house. 

The pilot could be heard on air traffic control moments before the crash, insisting the airport's weather system wasn't working. NTSB officials have yet to confirm that, saying the investigation is in the early stages. 

The wreckage was scattered throughout the Tierrasanta neighborhood and people are being asked to avoid the area, citing hazardous debris and a foul smell. 

One home suffered significant damage, and the family was home at the time of the crash. Eddy said he believes neighbors jumped into action and pulled them out of the home. 

SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Neighborhood full of heroes step into action after San Diego plane crash

Those who find debris or smell jet fuel are asked to call 619-531-2000.

Evacuation orders

Evacuations remain in place for Salmon, Sample and Sculptin streets. 

An evacuation center has been established at Miller Elementary School. The school, along with Hancock Elementary, have canceled classes Thursday.

‘It was horrific to see’

What they're saying:

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said seeing the wreckage was jarring for first responders. 

"It was pretty horrific to see," Wahl said. "For the police officers and firefighters to run in there and start trying to evacuate people out of the way and doing anything and everything they could to try and save somebody's life is pretty heroic." 

He continued to say, "Our heartfelt condolences go to the families that were impacted by this." 

Residents and officials said there was dense fog in the area at the time of the crash. 

What's next:

Investigators will be at the scene for at least another 24 hours, San Diego officials said. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB will join local authorities in the investigation. 

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