A tragic incident unfolded in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP) on Saturday afternoon as a small aircraft crashed into a residential area, resulting in the death of one individual aboard the plane and causing damage to two houses, authorities reported.
Emergency fire services quickly arrived at the location, while police set up barricades, advising residents to avoid the vicinity. Smoke was visible rising from the rooftop of a house in the Wood Ranch neighborhood of Simi Valley, located about 50 miles (approximately 80.47 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
Debris from the craft was observed between the two affected houses. The Ventura County Fire Department stated that occupants were present in both houses during the incident but managed to evacuate without injuries. Although both homes suffered structural harm and fire damage, no injuries were reported, according to authorities.
About 40 firefighters were on scene. With the flames out, they began working on overhaul and salvage operations.
Authorities did not release any information about the pilot of the single-engine, fixed-wing plane, nor did they say what might have caused the plane to crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating.
