A routine test mission ended in tragedy after a B-52 bomber crashed moments after take-off.
Eight people have died after a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after departing Edwards Air Force Base in California. The aircraft went down at about 11:20 a.m. local time during a routine test flight and burst into flames on the runway.
Edwards Air Force Base confirmed that all eight people on board were killed. The victims included military personnel, government civilians, contractors, and two Boeing employees. Officials described the crash as “unsurvivable.”
The aircraft was supporting the base’s radar modernisation programme when the incident occurred. Air operations at the base were temporarily suspended, while investigators began examining the cause of the crash. Authorities said the initial investigation could take up to 30 days, with a full analysis likely to take several months.
The B-52 Stratofortress has been a key part of the US military since the 1950s and remains one of the world’s most recognisable long-range strategic bombers. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as families are being notified. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
