(KTLA) – Two people died and 19 were injured Thursday afternoon when a plane crashed into the roof of a Fullerton warehouse.

The crash happened around 2:10 p.m. on the 2300 block of West Raymer Avenue, directly adjacent to the Fullerton Municipal Airport.

The incident was first reported as a structure fire, indicating the plane crash had sparked a fire.

Video from Sky5 later confirmed that a commercial building had been hit, with a large hole in the building’s roof and no sign of any visible plane wreckage.

Firefighters were seen battling the fire inside the warehouse, and nearby buildings were evacuated.

The roof of a furniture manufacturing facility where a plane crashed on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2024. (KTLA)

First responders could be seen treating an untold number of people on the ground with several ambulances standing by to transport them to area hospitals if needed.

At 2:40 p.m., The Fullerton Police Department said there were an unknown number of “casualties.” An hour later, police confirmed that nine people were transported to local hospitals and six others were treated and released at the scene.

One person, likely the pilot, was reported deceased.

By 4:45 p.m., the death and injury toll grew, with police announcing a second person had died and three more people were treated for injuries, including one who was taken to a hospital.

In an evening press conference, officials in Fullerton provided a final update, saying along with the two fatalities, 19 other individuals suffered injuries. Officials did not elaborate on the conditions of those treated.

• First responders treat an undetermined amount of injured after a plane crashed in a Fullerton warehouse Thursday afternoon, Jan. 2, 2025. (KTLA)
• Video posted to the Citizen App shows smoke billowing from the site of a plane crash in Fullerton on Jan. 2, 2025. (Citizen App)
• Video posted to the Citizen App shows smoke billowing from the site of a plane crash in Fullerton on Jan. 2, 2025. (Citizen App)
• Video posted to the Citizen App shows smoke billowing from the site of a plane crash in Fullerton on Jan. 2, 2025. (Citizen App)

Video shared by the Citizen App immediately after the crash showed a large plume of black smoke billowing from a gaping hole in the building’s roof, fire trucks speeding toward the source and firefighters assessing the situation from a nearby roof.

Police urged drivers to avoid the area as several roads near the scene of the crash were closed.

The Fullerton City Council released a statement following the deadly crash, in which it thanked first responders from the city and beyond who “acted with courage and unwavering dedication.”

“Your extraordinary efforts remind us of the strength and resilience of our community,” Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung said. “We are grateful for the strength of our community and the compassion we show one another in times of crisis. Together, we will move forward with resolve, care, and unity.”

The City Council said it was committed to providing support by those affected “in the wake of this tragedy.”

The plane involved in Thursday’s crash was described by officials as an “experimental aircraft,” which are often amateur built and used for non-commercial recreation. These crafts still require licensing and inspection from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association.

In November, two people narrowly avoided serious injury when their plane crashed into a tree near the same airport.

Gil Leyvas in Fullerton contributed to this report.