Eight people, including two Boeing employees, were killed after a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after take-off from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California on Monday.
The aircraft went down at about 11:20 a.m. local time (19:20 GMT) during what officials described as a routine test mission. Witnesses reported seeing a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky, visible from miles away.
“Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans,” Colonel James Hayes told reporters, describing those onboard as a mix of military personnel, government civilians and contractors.
Base officials had earlier said initial assessments indicated that the crash was not survivable.
Hayes said the victims’ families were being notified and their identities would be released after next of kin had been informed.
According to officials, the crash occurred on the runway and remained fully contained within the base. Flight operations at Edwards have since been temporarily suspended.
The B-52 was supporting the base’s radar modernisation programme when it crashed moments after take-off and burst into flames.
“After reviewing initial footage, this was deemed an unrecoverable and unsurvivable crash,” Hayes said.
Authorities have not determined the cause of the accident. Preliminary investigations could take up to 30 days, while a full analysis may take more than six months.
Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among those killed and said the company was in contact with their families. The aerospace giant declined further comment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the incident as “a tragic event” and offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Edwards Air Force Base community.
Aerial footage from the scene showed scorched ground and smouldering wreckage.
The base also announced that incoming flights had been diverted and non-commercial visitor access suspended to allow emergency crews to focus on response efforts.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, which has been in service since the 1950s, remains one of the US military’s most iconic long-range bombers. Nicknamed “BUFF” — short for “Big Ugly Fat Fellow” — the aircraft can carry conventional and nuclear weapons and refuel mid-air, giving it an extended operational range.
The bomber has recently been involved in missions linked to the US and Israel’s military operations against Iran.
Capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, the B-52 can carry payloads of up to 70,000 pounds, including conventional bombs and nuclear cruise missiles.
Edwards Air Force Base is located in California’s Mojave Desert, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.
Several US lawmakers expressed condolences following the crash.
“Absolutely heartbreaking. God bless the eight crew members on board,” Representative Vince Fong wrote on X.
Congressman Jay Obernolte said he and his wife were praying for the victims, their families and emergency responders, while Michigan Congresswoman Lisa McClain thanked first responders and praised the sacrifices of US service members.
