Arabic version: تحطم مأساوي لطائرة قاذفة B-52 يودي بحياة ثمانية أشخاص في كاليفورنيا

According to BBC News,

Eight people have been killed after a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber plane crashed immediately after take off from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. The incident occurred at 11:20 local time on Monday while the aircraft was on a routine test mission. Eyewitness accounts reported a large plume of black smoke rising from the crash site, which was visible for miles.

Colonel James Hayes addressed the media, confirming the loss of eight personnel described as a mixed crew of military members, government civilians, and contractors. He stated that initial assessments indicated the crash was “not survivable.” The families of the deceased will be notified, and their names are expected to be released within 24 hours.

The crash was “totally contained” within the Edwards Air Force Base, and operations have been temporarily suspended. Hayes noted that the B-52 was involved in the base’s radar modernization program at the time of the accident. He characterized the situation as an “unrecoverable crash” and indicated that investigations into the cause would take time, potentially extending beyond six months.

Aerial footage revealed a charred landscape where the aircraft went down. The base has since closed the airfield, diverting all inbound flights, and suspended non-commercial visitor passes to focus on emergency response efforts. The B-52 Stratofortress has been a staple of the US military since the 1950s, known for its long-range capabilities and strategic importance.

Local representatives, including Congressman Jay Obernolte, expressed their condolences on social media, emphasizing support for the crew and their families. The incident marks a significant tragedy for the Edwards Air Force Base community, with ongoing investigations expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash.