'Direct hit to multiple homes': Small plane crashes into residential area in San Diego

A small plane crashed into a residential area in San Diego, US, reportedly striking several houses in what officials described as a "direct hit to multiple homes," according to news agency AP.

Reports revealed that it was a Cessna 550 aircraft that crashed in the residential area early Thursday, setting around 15 homes on fire and prompting evacuations across several blocks, according to the officials.

"We have jet fuel all over the place," Assistant Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy said during a news conference. "Our main goal is to search all these homes and get everybody out right now."

He confirmed that "there is a direct hit to multiple homes" in the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood.

Officials have not confirmed any casualties at this stage.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft crashed in proximity to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport .
"The number of people on board is unknown at this time," the FAA said in a statement.

The aircraft has a passenger capacity of six to eight people.