A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert on Monday morning. The crash occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time, according to officials at the base.
Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, and authorities said the situation remains under investigation. Aerial footage showed a large scorched area and smoke rising from the crash site.
Officials have not yet confirmed how many crew members were on board the aircraft or whether there were any survivors or injuries. The B-52 is typically operated by a crew of five, although the exact number aboard at the time of the crash remains unknown.
Following the accident, the airfield was temporarily closed, incoming aircraft were diverted, and access to non-commercial visitors was suspended to allow emergency crews to focus on response operations.
The B-52 Stratofortress is one of the U.S. military's most recognizable long-range bombers and has been in service for decades. Edwards Air Force Base is a major center for aircraft testing, weapons development, and military aviation research.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and military authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.