B-52 Bomber Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
UPDATE: 4:30 PM PT: Authorities have confirmed that all eight individuals aboard the B-52 Stratofortress bomber, operated by the United States Air Force, are presumed dead following a crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California.
The incident occurred during a routine test mission, as stated by officials from the base. They noted that “initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” and an investigation is currently underway.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and unit members at this time,” said a post from Edwards Air Force Base. “More information will be released as it becomes available.”
12:49 PM: The crash reportedly happened at 11:20 a.m. PDT shortly after takeoff. Emergency personnel are responding to the scene as the situation develops, according to social media updates from the base.
Edwards Air Force Base is located in Kern County, although parts of it extend into San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. The main hub of the base is in Edwards, California.
The B-52 is a heavy, long-range bomber that weighs about 185,000 pounds and is designed to carry both nuclear and conventional payloads. It typically has a crew of five.
This is a breaking story. More updates will follow.
