Eight people have died after a United States Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after take-off from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California.
The aircraft went down at about 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday during what officials described as a routine test mission.
The crash triggered a massive fire and sent thick black smoke into the sky, which was visible from miles away.
Speaking during a briefing, Col. James Hayes described the incident as a devastating loss.
“Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said.
He explained that those on board included military personnel, government civilians and contractors.
“They were a mixed crew of military, government civilians and government contractors,” he added.
According to officials, the aircraft crashed on the runway moments after take-off and burst into flames.
Hayes said early assessments indicated there were no survivors.
“After reviewing initial footage, the incident had been deemed an unrecoverable crash and unsurvivable,” he said.
Authorities said the identities of the victims would be released after their families had been notified.
Aircraft operations at the base have been temporarily suspended while investigations continue.
Hayes said the bomber had been supporting the base’s radar modernisation programme before the accident occurred.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Officials said an initial investigation could take up to 30 days, while a more detailed analysis may continue for more than six months.
Aerospace giant Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among those killed.
In a statement, the company said it was in contact with the families of the victims but declined further comment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and the military community affected by the tragedy.
He described the incident as “a tragic incident” and offered condolences to those impacted.
Several US lawmakers also reacted to the crash.
Congressman Vince Fong wrote on X, “Absolutely heartbreaking. God bless the 8 crew members on board.”
Congressman Jay Obernolte said he and his wife were “praying for everyone involved in today’s B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, especially the crew, their families, and the first responders on scene.”
Michigan Congresswoman Lisa McClain also offered support, saying, “My prayers are with everyone involved in the B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base this afternoon.”
She added, “Our service members carry the weight of this nation’s defense every single day. We are with them.”
The B-52 Stratofortress, one of the most recognisable aircraft in the US military, has been in service since the 1950s. The long-range strategic bomber is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons and has played a key role in several military operations over the decades.
Edwards Air Force Base is located in California’s Mojave Desert, about 160 kilometres north of Los Angeles. Investigators are now working to determine what caused the fatal crash.
