Eight individuals are lifeless after an Air Power B-52 Stratofortress bomber on a “routine take a look at mission” crashed shortly after takeoff and burst into flames at Edwards Air Power Base in California on Monday, the bottom stated.
The crash was deemed unsurvivable based mostly on a evaluation of footage, in line with Col. James Hayes, deputy commander for the 412th Take a look at Wing on the base, calling it a “horrible tragedy.”
“We misplaced eight nice Individuals,” he stated throughout a press briefing Monday.
A nonetheless from a video exhibiting the aftermath of a crash involving a B-52 Stratofortress bomber at Edwards Air Power Base in California, June 15, 2026.
Obtained by ABC Information
The crew was a mixture of uniformed navy, authorities civilians and authorities contractors, Hayes stated. The names of these on board shall be launched 24 hours following next-of-kin notification.
Boeing launched a press release Monday night saying two of these killed within the crash have been staff of the aerospace big.
“It’s with nice disappointment that we verify two Boeing staff have been amongst these on board. We’re involved with their households and are providing help,” Boeing stated.
The incident was reported at about 11:20 a.m. native time.
An Air Power B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Power Base in California, June 15, 2026.
KABC
“Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officers are working to account for all personnel,” the bottom stated.
The reason for the crash stays underneath investigation, a course of that may possible take a number of months, in line with Hayes.
An Air Power B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Power Base in California, June 15, 2026.
KABC
Take a look at missions happen a number of occasions a day on the base, Hayes stated.
The bottom has closed the airfield and stated all inbound planes are being diverted. It will likely be standing down all operations on Tuesday, Hayes stated.
A B-52H Stratofortress departs Edwards Air Power Base, June 25, 2025.
Chase Kohler/USAF, FILES
The Air Power and NASA conduct take a look at flights of latest and developmental plane at Edwards Air Power Base.
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range bomber first launched within the Nineteen Fifties that continues to be a central a part of the U.S. navy’s air energy. Constructed by Boeing, the plane is able to carrying each standard and nuclear weapons over lengthy distances and has been utilized in conflicts starting from Vietnam to operations within the Iran warfare.
