Eight people have been confirmed dead after a B-52 bomber crashed moments after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base, located northeast of Los Angeles, on Monday morning.
Authorities described the incident as the deadliest B-52 crash since 1982, when nine crew members were killed during a training exercise at Mather Air Force Base near Sacramento.
According to Air Force officials, the B-52 Stratofortress involved in Monday’s crash had departed on a routine test flight at about 11:20 a.m. local time before going down shortly after takeoff.
Officials said the incident has now shifted from a rescue effort to a recovery operation.
“It was tragic and unsurvivable,” Colonel James Hayes said during a press briefing.
Emergency responders were immediately deployed to the crash scene, where the aircraft reportedly left behind a massive column of black smoke visible from a distance.
Chief Master Sgt. Joshua T. Skarloken disclosed that efforts were underway to notify the families of the victims, noting that those on board included military personnel, civilian government employees and contractors.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, confirmed that two of its employees were among those on the flight.
“We are in contact with their families and are offering support,” the company said in a statement.
The tragedy also drew reactions from top officials, including Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Gavin Newsom, who expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the entire Edwards Air Force Base community.
Air Force authorities disclosed that the bomber was participating in a radar modernisation programme test at the time of the crash.
Video footage aired by CNN affiliate KCAL showed a large scorched section on the runway along with lingering smoke, although identifiable wreckage could not be clearly seen.
While the military base has since reopened, officials announced that operations would remain suspended until Tuesday.
Colonel Hayes said a formal investigation into the cause of the crash would commence immediately, adding that detailed findings may not be publicly available for approximately six months.
