BREAKING: San Diego plane crash: Homes evacuated as aircraft explodes in fireball

A plane has crashed into a residential street in San Diego, California.

Eyewitnesses looked on in horror as emergency crews responded to the fiery wreck. Authorities say it was a "direct hit to multiple homes". It is believed 15 homes have been struck.

"We have jet fuel all over the place," assistant fire department chief Dan Eddy told reporters. "Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now."

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Mr Eddy said "there is a direct hit to multiple homes" in the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood and described "a gigantic debris field." It was not known if there were any injuries.

Eddy said it was very foggy at the time the private plane crashed. "You could barely see in front of you," he said.

In a statement on social media San Diego Police Department said: "SDPD is responding to a plane crash near Sculpin St and Santo Rd.

"Please avoid the area while crews work. More info will be shared as it becomes available."

The Cessna 550 aircraft crashed at about 3.45am local time near the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

"The number of people on board is unknown at this time," the FAA said in a statement.

The plane can carry six to eight people. The FAA said the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation.

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