A small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing building in Fullerton, California, on Thursday, killing two people and injuring 19 others. At the time of the crash, around 200 people were working inside the building, authorities said.
The two victims who died were believed to have been on the plane, while the injured were inside the warehouse. Eleven injured individuals were taken to hospitals, and eight were treated and released at the scene, according to police.
The crash occurred just two minutes after the plane took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport, located six miles from Disneyland. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the plane as a single-engine, four-seat Van’s RV-10.
Security footage from a nearby business showed the plane tilted as it crashed into the building, triggering a fiery explosion and a plume of black smoke. Firefighters and police quickly arrived to battle the blaze and evacuate surrounding businesses.
The plane’s owner, a regular at the airport, was reported by airport worker Chris Villalobos, who noted the pilot had planned to return for an emergency landing shortly after takeoff. The cause of the emergency remains under investigation.
The building struck by the plane was occupied by Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating the crash.
In a statement, Fullerton City Council described the incident as a “solemn tragedy” and pledged support to those affected.
