LOS ANGELES, CA – Two people were killed and 19 others injured when a small aircraft crashed into the roof of a warehouse in Fullerton, California, on Thursday afternoon, sparking a fire and prompting evacuations of nearby buildings, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. in the 2300 block of West Raymer Avenue, located adjacent to the Fullerton Municipal Airport. Emergency responders initially received reports of a structure fire, later confirmed to have been caused by the plane crash.
Video footage from the scene showed a large hole in the roof of the warehouse with black smoke billowing from the site. Firefighters were seen battling the blaze, while nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Emergency personnel treated several victims at the scene, and multiple ambulances were on standby to transport the injured to local hospitals.
At approximately 2:40 p.m., the Fullerton Police Department reported an unknown number of casualties. By 3:40 p.m., officials confirmed that nine people had been transported to hospitals, while six others were treated and released at the scene.
Later in the afternoon, authorities confirmed that a second fatality had occurred, bringing the death toll to two. An additional three individuals were treated for injuries, including one person who was taken to a hospital for further care.
The identities of the deceased were not immediately released, but officials believe that one of the victims was likely the pilot of the aircraft.
In a press conference held in the evening, Fullerton city officials provided an update, stating that a total of 19 people sustained injuries. Authorities did not elaborate on the conditions of those who were treated or hospitalized.
The Fullerton City Council issued a statement expressing gratitude to the first responders and emergency personnel who acted quickly to address the situation.
“Your extraordinary efforts remind us of the strength and resilience of our community,” said Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung. “We are grateful for the strength of our community and the compassion we show one another in times of crisis. Together, we will move forward with resolve, care, and unity.”
The City Council also pledged to provide support for those affected by the incident and stated that it was committed to working closely with authorities as the investigation into the crash continues.
Officials identified the aircraft involved as an experimental plane, a category often associated with amateur-built aircraft used for non-commercial purposes. These planes, despite their designation, are required to undergo inspection and receive licensing from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were dispatched to the scene to examine evidence and collect data.
In addition to the investigation, officials are evaluating whether the plane had experienced mechanical issues before impact or if pilot error may have played a role.
This is not the first aviation incident near the Fullerton Municipal Airport. In November 2024, two people narrowly escaped serious injuries when their plane crashed into a tree near the airport, raising questions about safety protocols in the area.
Community members have voiced concerns about the proximity of the airport to commercial and residential areas, particularly in light of recurring accidents involving small aircraft.
Authorities closed multiple roads near the warehouse following the crash, and police advised drivers to avoid the area until further notice. Cleanup efforts and inspections of the damaged structure are expected to continue over the coming days.
Fire officials noted that the building’s structural integrity will need to be evaluated, and further updates on the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
While authorities continue their investigation, Fullerton officials emphasized the importance of community resilience in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“We will support those affected by this incident and do everything we can to understand what happened and prevent similar tragedies,” said Mayor Fred Jung.
Residents impacted by the crash are encouraged to reach out to local authorities and support organizations for assistance.
Additional updates are expected from the FAA and NTSB as the investigation unfolds.
