US Air Force B-52 crashes after takeoff at Edwards base, eight personnel killed

Los Angeles, June 2026 : A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert on Monday, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board, the base confirmed.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time, according to an official statement posted on X by the base. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the crash site, while rescue and containment operations continued through the day.

Authorities later confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine test mission when it went down shortly after departure. A large plume of black smoke rose from the crash site and was visible for miles across the desert region, raising initial concerns among nearby residents and military personnel.

Edwards Air Force Base announced that the airfield was temporarily closed following the accident, with all incoming aircraft diverted to other locations. Non-commercial visitor access passes were also suspended indefinitely as the installation focused entirely on emergency response and recovery operations.

In a statement, Col. James Hayes described the tragedy as a devastating loss, confirming that the crew consisted of a mix of military personnel, civilian government employees, and defence contractors. “Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans,” he said.

Officials also noted that “initial indications suggest the crash was not survivable,” while stressing that the cause of the accident remains under investigation. Efforts are underway to fully account for all personnel involved and to determine what led to the sudden failure after takeoff.

The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber used by the US Air Force for decades, capable of operating at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and carrying a payload of up to 70,000 pounds, including conventional bombs and nuclear-capable cruise missiles.

The aircraft has played a major role in various military operations, including recent deployments in conflict zones, underscoring its continued strategic importance despite its age.

Authorities have urged patience as investigators examine flight data, maintenance records, and wreckage to establish the exact cause of the crash.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)