US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes in California shortly after takeoff

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed in California shortly after departing from Edwards Air Force Base. The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. local time, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Details regarding potential casualties or the exact crash site remain unclear. The military confirmed the crash on social media platform X. Following the event, the base implemented a lockdown, suspending all non-commercial visitor passes to allow emergency personnel to focus on the operation. All incoming flights were being rerouted.

Edwards Air Force Base is located north of Los Angeles. Eyewitnesses reported seeing significant smoke billowing from the crash site, visible across a wide area. The B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range bomber that has been in service since 1955, is typically operated by a crew of five and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. It has seen service in conflicts such as the Vietnam War and more recently in the Middle East.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. The U.S. Air Force has not yet released further information regarding the circumstances leading to the aircraft's failure shortly after takeoff.