B-52 bomber crashes after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, California, US Air Force launches investigation | Today’s news
A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff Monday (June 15) at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert, prompting an emergency response and a temporary suspension of air traffic, officials said.
Edwards Air Force Base confirmed the incident on social media, saying the plane went down around 11:20 a.m. local time.
“A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Airport at 11:20 a.m.,” the base said in a statement posted on Facebook.
It added that rescue teams were immediately deployed to the crash site and operations are continuing.
Emergency response underway
The Air Force said first responders rushed to the scene immediately after the crash, but there was no immediate confirmation of casualties or the condition of the crew.
Officials also said the airport was closed shortly after the incident and all incoming planes were diverted as a precaution.
Video from the area showed a large plume of thick black smoke rising from the desert near the base.
By early afternoon, non-commercial visitor access to the base was suspended to allow emergency crews to focus on containment and response operations.
Engaged strategic bomber
The aircraft involved has been identified as a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range strategic bomber that has been in service since the 1950s.
The B-52 is typically operated by a crew of five and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. It can carry a payload of around 70,000 pounds, including conventional bombs, precision-guided munitions, cruise missiles and nuclear weapons. It has a combat range of up to 8,800 miles and has been deployed in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and recent operations in the Middle East.
Edwards Air Force Base operations
Edwards Air Force Base, located about 60 miles north of Los Angeles, is a key test and development facility for the U.S. Air Force.
Operated by the 412th Test Wing, the base conducts life-cycle evaluations of aircraft, weapons systems and defense technologies. It is also historically significant as the location where pilot Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier in 1947.
An investigation is pending
Authorities have not yet released details about what caused the crash, or whether there were any fatalities or injuries. An investigation is expected as emergency operations continue at the scene.
