Eight people were believed dead after a B-52 bomber crashed and burned Monday at Edwards Air Force Base, the sprawling high desert military facility that straddles Kern, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.
The Air Force said the B-52 Stratofortress was on a routine test mission when it crashed shortly after takeoff at about 11:20 a.m. Monday.
“Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” according to a statement released by Edwards Air Force Base. “Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel.”
Video from the location showed a large plume of smoke rising from the charred remains of the aircraft, which appeared to be completely destroyed.
At 12:48 p.m. Monday, base officials announced the airfield had been closed, with all inbound aircraft being diverted.
“All non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation to focus entirely on emergency response operations,” according to the update.
The B-52 Stratofortress has been a cornerstone of the Air Force’s bomber fleet since entering service in 1955. The long-range aircraft is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and is generally operated by a crew of five.
The last crash at the base was in 1992, when two crew members were killed.