CALIFORNIA (TNND) — An Air Force B-52 crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday at 11:20 a.m., leaving eight presumed dead.
Authorities reported that the B-52 Stratofortress was conducting a routine test mission when it went down on the airfield. Immediate rescue efforts, initiated by emergency crews, have since transitioned to recovery efforts.
According to a statement from Edwards Air Force Base, all inbound aircraft have been diverted due to the ongoing situation. Videos from the crash site show significant smoke rising from the area.
The U.S. Air Force and NASA frequently use Edwards Air Force Base for test flights of new and developmental aircraft. The B-52, built by Boeing, has been a mainstay of U.S. military air power since its introduction in the 1950s, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons over long distances.
The base has expressed condolences in a social media post, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and unit members at this time.”
An investigation into the crash is underway, with more information expected to be released as it becomes available.