Eight people have been killed after a US B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff and burst into flames at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The incident happened on Monday during a routine test mission involving military personnel, government staff, and civilian contractors.
Officials said the heavy bomber went down almost immediately after takeoff and erupted into a large fireball on impact. The crash site, located inside the base perimeter about 60 miles north of Los Angeles, was later described by authorities as completely destroyed, with very little remaining of the aircraft.
Colonel James Hayes confirmed that all eight people on board died in the crash. He said the mission was part of a radar modernisation test involving the B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range bomber that has been in service with the US military since the 1950s.
According to officials, the aircraft took off normally but crashed moments later. Emergency teams responded quickly, but the severity of the fire meant there were no survivors. Authorities later reviewed footage from the scene and concluded that the crash was unsurvivable.
The cause of the accident is not yet known. A full safety investigation has been launched to determine what led to the bomber going down so soon after departure. Officials have not ruled out any possible technical or operational issues at this stage.
The crash led to the temporary closure of the airfield at Edwards Air Force Base, which is one of the most important testing and operations sites for the US military. Incoming flights were diverted while emergency teams secured the area and began their investigation.
Colonel Hayes said the identities of the victims will not be released until their families have been informed. He added that the notification process is still ongoing and may take time due to the number of agencies involved.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, confirmed that two of its employees were among those killed in the crash. The company expressed condolences to the families of all victims and said it is cooperating with the investigation.
The B-52 Stratofortress is one of the oldest long-range bombers still in active service. First introduced in the 1950s, it was originally designed during the Cold War for strategic missions against the Soviet Union. Over the decades, it has been repeatedly upgraded to remain in service with modern capabilities.
The aircraft has a wingspan of about 185 feet and a length of 159 feet. It is typically operated by a crew of five, including a pilot, aircraft commander, radar navigator, navigator, and electronic warfare officer. The bomber is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including conventional bombs and cruise missiles, and can also be configured for nuclear missions.
With a long operational range of up to 8,800 miles, the B-52 has been used in several major conflicts involving the United States, including Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and recent operations in the Middle East.
The crash has raised renewed attention on the risks involved in military test operations, especially involving older aircraft that continue to be modernised for current defence needs. Authorities say it will take time to determine the exact cause of the accident as the investigation continues.
For now, Edwards Air Force Base remains focused on recovery efforts, investigation work, and supporting the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
