B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff in California

A B-52 aircraft belonging to the U.S. Air Force crashed shortly after its departure from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday. The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. local time, according to a statement from the base posted on Facebook.

"Emergency services responded immediately, and the situation is ongoing," the base stated on Facebook. They added that further information would be provided as it becomes available. The aircraft involved was identified as a B-52 Stratofortress.

The B-52 Stratofortress, developed by Boeing, is recognized as one of the oldest aircraft still in active military service, with its development dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. The base has not released any details concerning potential injuries or fatalities resulting from the crash.

Edwards Air Force Base is situated in the Mojave Desert, north of Los Angeles. It is a significant facility used for the research, development, and testing of the U.S. military's aircraft, weapon systems, and software, and is also utilized by NASA. Images shared by CNN reportedly show a plume of smoke rising over the desert landscape near the base.