A small plane owned by a prominent Indian-origin cardiologist has crashed in the US state of California, killing two persons, including the physician, and causing a major fire that engulfed nearby homes and left a swath of destruction, according to local media reports. Dr Sugata Das, who worked as an Interventional Cardiologist at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Arizona, owned the twin-engine Cessna C340 aircraft, PTI news agency said. 

"We are deeply sad to hear news of a plane owned by local cardiologist Sugata Das, which crashed near Santee (California)," YRMC's Chief Medical Officer Bharat Magu said in a statement.

"As an outstanding cardiologist and dedicated family man, Das leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our prayers and support to his family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time," Magu said on the Pune-born doctor.

The crash near Santana High School in Santee, a suburb of some 50,000 people, appeared to have sparked a fire that burned at least two homes, damaged five others and several vehicles, but responding firefighters were able to put out the blaze before it spread to other houses.

There are over 80,000 doctors of Indian origin practising in the United States. (SAM)