According to authorities, eight crew members died in the crash of a B-52 bomber shortly after it took off from Edwards Air Force Base, located northeast of Los Angeles.
The bomber had departed the remote military base at 11:20 local time on Monday for a routine test mission. This flight was conducted to support the radar modernization program. Responders immediately mobilized after the crash, which left behind a large plume of black smoke. The crew consisted of a mix of military personnel and civilians.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, confirmed that two of its employees were aboard the plane. While the base has since reopened, operations are suspended until Tuesday. Military officials have begun investigating the cause of the crash, but detailed information is not expected to be made public for approximately six months.
