US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff at Edwards AFB
A B-52 Stratofortress crashed soon after departing Edwards Air Force Base in California; officials are investigating and have closed the airfield.
A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California at about 11:20 a.m. local time (19:20 GMT). The aircraft generated a large plume of black smoke that was visible for miles, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews. The base said the airfield has been closed and inbound aircraft are being diverted, and all non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended while the investigation continues.
The base did not confirm whether any crew members were injured. A spokesperson declined to comment further when approached by reporters.
The B-52, a long-range strategic bomber in service since the 1950s, can carry a payload of up to 70,000 pounds, including conventional bombs and nuclear cruise missiles, and is capable of mid-air refueling.
"Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available," the base statement read.
Local lawmakers expressed concern for those involved, but no official casualty figures have been released.