Eight dead in B-52 bomber crash at US Air Force base in California

A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at a US Air Force base in California’s Mojave Desert on Monday and burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard, military officials said.

Aerial footage showed virtually nothing left of the aircraft that went down during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base, which is north of Los Angeles.

Those on the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed on Monday evening that two of its employees were on board.

After reviewing footage of the crash, it was determined that no one could have survived, Colonel James Hayes, the deputy commander for the 412 test wing at Edwards, said at a news conference.

“We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said, adding that officials were working to notify their families.

The B-52 is has been in service for over 50 years. / Credit: AP

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, and it could take up to six months to complete an investigation, Hayes said, but shared that the B-52 was supporting the “radar modernisation program.”

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range bomber that entered service in 1955. Designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, it has been used in conflicts involving the US military from Vietnam to Iran.

Edwards Air Force Base is home to a large portion of the US Air Force’s aircraft test and development efforts.

The 412th Test Wing, which runs the base, also conducts developmental testing of all Air Force aircraft, weapons systems, software and components before purchase by the service as well as throughout their lifespan.

The airfield was closed most of Monday and all inbound aircraft were being diverted, but it reopened to people coming onto the base by late afternoon.

Non-commercial visitor passes for the base were suspended as emergency crews doused the flames.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said he is deeply saddened by the lives lost.

“We mourn this loss and honor the service of our Airmen, civilians, and contractors who work every day to advance our mission,” he said in a post on X.