On the night of a devastating crash in Murphy Canyon, the McCarty family followed their usual bedtime routine, ensuring their two young sons and dogs were safely tucked in before locking up their home. In the early morning, a Cessna 550 Citation jet crashed into their yard, partially demolishing their roof and sending one of their trucks into their living room. The intense heat from the ensuing fire jolted them awake, leaving Ben McCarty feeling a powerful wave of wind and heat. In a frantic rush, he and his wife, Srujana, collected their children, ages 2 and 4, and attempted to escape through a front door blocked by flames, ultimately fleeing through the back.
Simultaneously, neighbor Maupin was awakened by her daughter’s urgent call about the fire outside. Upon looking out, she witnessed a terrifying scene of their street engulfed in flames, with jet fuel igniting vehicles in its path. Chaos ensued as residents knocked on doors and frantically rushed to evacuate. Maupin and her daughter assisted neighbors, while others could be heard screaming for their children amidst the explosions.
Nearby, Rivera, confused by the commotion, grabbed her young daughter, grandmother, and pets and fled, reflecting on the potential loss of life in their close-knit community. Miraculously, despite the horrific destruction and panic, no one on the ground was killed. Witnessing such destruction firsthand left the locals profoundly changed, emphasizing the fragility of life in moments of crisis. The events painted a vivid picture of chaos, fear, and community resilience amidst an unimaginable disaster.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
