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World
Eight crew members of a B-52 bomber likely died after the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base near Los Angeles.
Eight crew members aboard a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber are presumed dead following a crash that occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base, located northeast of Los Angeles, on Monday morning, according to CNN.
Base authorities reported that emergency and rescue teams promptly responded to the crash site, where thick black smoke was rising.
Military officials confirmed the bomber was on a routine test mission that began at 11:20 a.m. local time. Initial indications suggest a severe explosion occurred, making survival for any crew member unlikely.
The base command is scheduled to hold a press conference at 4:15 p.m. to provide further details and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The crash left extensive black marks on the sandy runway of the base, along with residual smoke. However, distinguishing clear wreckage parts was difficult, as seen in circulated video footage.
The B-52 is among the oldest aircraft in the Air Force fleet, having entered service in 1955. This heavy, long-range bomber typically carries a crew of five and can transport up to 70,000 pounds of bombs and other munitions.
The current B-52H model remains a key component of the U.S. Air Force arsenal, with 76 aircraft in service. It has been deployed in bombing missions during the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The B-52H is also capable of carrying nuclear bombs and nuclear cruise missiles.
Prior to Monday’s crash, the last fatal B-52 accident occurred in 2008, when six Air Force personnel died after their B-52 crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Guam during preparations for an airshow.
