California: 8 dead in US B-52 bomber crash
What's the story
A United States Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California on Monday. The incident, which occurred at 11:20 local time (19:20 GMT), resulted in the deaths of eight people on board, including two Boeing employees. The crash happened during a routine test mission and sent a large plume of black smoke into the sky that was visible over a large area, the BBC reported.
Base response
Crash 'not survivable'
Colonel James Hayes confirmed the tragedy at Edwards Air Force Base, describing the victims as a "mixed crew of military, government civilians, and government contractors." He said initial indications suggest that the crash was "not survivable." The base has temporarily halted operations and grounded operations. Further investigations are underway to determine the cause of this tragic incident, even as officials caution that a full investigation could take several months.
Boeing response
Boeing confirms 2 employees were on board
In a statement, Boeing has confirmed that two of its employees were on board the ill-fated B-52 bomber. The aerospace company is in touch with their families but has declined to comment further on the matter. California Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed his condolences to the victims' families and Edwards Air Force Base community, over what he called a "tragic incident."
Twitter Post
Visuals from site of crash
TOWERING PLUME OF TRAGEDY.
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) June 16, 2026
U.S AIR FORCE B-52 BOMBER CRASHES AT U.S. AIR BASE, 8 CREW PRESUMED DEAD.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed on Monday shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California's Mojave Desert, and all eight crew… pic.twitter.com/AH0nRNNNsn
Aircraft details
More about the B-52 bomber
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been in service with the US military since the 1950s. The aircraft is capable of flying at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and carrying a payload of hundreds of conventional bombs and nuclear cruise missiles. It can be refueled mid-flight, giving it a potentially unlimited strike range. This made it a key asset during the Cold War era as part of America's "nuclear umbrella."
Location details
Edwards Air Force Base is located in Mojave Desert
Edwards Air Force Base is situated around 161km north of Los Angeles, in the Mojave Desert. After the crash, all inbound aircraft were diverted, and non-commercial visitor passes were suspended until further notice to focus on emergency response operations. According to Colonel Hayes, the investigation into this tragic incident could take more than six months due to further cause analysis.