A single-engine Van’s RV-10 plane crashed into a commercial building in Fullerton, California, killing two people and injuring 18 others, officials confirmed.
The crash occurred at 2:15 PM PST (10:15 GMT) on Thursday, sparking a fire that was quickly extinguished. Ten people were hospitalized, while eight were treated and released at the scene. The identities of the deceased and their roles—whether passengers or workers—remain unclear.
The affected building housed a furniture manufacturing business, and most victims were employees, according to Congressman Lou Correa. Security footage captured a fiery explosion as parts of the plane embedded into the structure.
Witnesses described a loud boom followed by flames. The plane appeared to be attempting to return to the nearby Fullerton Municipal Airport shortly after takeoff. Approximately 100 people were evacuated from the factory.
This marks the second plane crash in the area within two months, with a previous crash on November 25 causing no major injuries.