El Cajon plane crash: Two nurses identified as victims
EL CAJON, Calif. - As local and federal authorities continue to investigate what caused a small plane to crash in a San Diego County neighborhood that departed from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, two of the victims have been identified. One, a nurse who was the wife of a retired fire chief.
Tina Ward was identified as one of the victims by the Oceanside Fire Department. She was married to retired Oceanside Fire Chief Joe Ward.
RELATED: 4 dead after jet that departed Orange County crashes in El Cajon neighborhood
According to reports, Ward was one of two nurses aboard the aircraft.
"It is with heavy hearts that the Oceanside Firefighters Association Local 3736 fire family would like to extend our deepest condolences to our recently retired Chief Ward, his family and all family and friends of the members lost during this tragic event. We are shocked and saddened by this devastating news and are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the department wrote on Instagram along with pictures of the couple and their children.
The second nurse was identified Wednesday as Laurie Gentz, President of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local 162.
"The IAEP extends sincere condolences for the devastating and sudden loss of Local 162 President Laurie Gentz, her fellow passengers, and the Learjet flight crew early this morning," the organization posted on Facebook. "President Gentz will be greatly missed by all who knew her and all who benefit from her selfless contributions to organized labor in the Greater San Diego area."
On Monday around 7:15 p.m., a Learjet crashed in an El Cajon neighborhood. The area is located a few miles east of the Gillespie Field airport. There were no survivors.
The impact left a trail of fiery wreckage on the suburban street and knocked out power to hundreds of homes.
One home was damaged, but no injuries were reported on the ground, officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are handling the investigation. The NTSB said the plane was a Learjet 35A business jet, which seats eight people.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has photos or videos from the scene was asked to email witness@ntsb.gov.
The American Red Cross provided assistance to residents who remain affected by the power outage, according to sheriff's officials.
The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.
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