US Air Force B-52 crashes after takeoff in California

Edwards Air Force Base officials confirmed on Monday that a B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from the installation in California. The incident occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time, according to base officials.

"A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 a.m.," the base said on social media platform X. Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation remained active throughout the day.

Airfield closure and response

Base authorities later announced the complete closure of the airfield, with all inbound aircraft diverted to alternative facilities. "All non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation to focus entirely on emergency response operations," officials added in a statement.

Edwards Air Force Base serves as a primary testing ground for military aircraft and is located in the Mojave Desert. The cause of the crash was not immediately disclosed as emergency teams continued recovery efforts at the site.