Eight people are believed to have died after a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday.
The aircraft was conducting a routine test mission linked to the Air Force’s radar modernisation programme when it went down on the airfield around 11:20am local time.
Officials said initial indications suggest the crash was not survivable, while Boeing confirmed two of its employees were among those on board. Emergency crews responded immediately, the airfield was closed, and inbound flights were diverted.
The crew included military personnel, government civilians and contractors supporting ongoing upgrades designed to keep the ageing B-52 fleet operational into the 2050s. An investigation into the cause of the crash is expected.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber reportedly crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, prompting a major emergency response. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the wreckage as rescue and firefighting crews rushed to the crash site. (Representative Video) pic.twitter.com/XtJjXq4kYh
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