Eight people were killed after a B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, the military said.“We lost eight great Americans,” Col. James Hayes, the deputy commander for the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said at a news conference.Pictures and videos of the crash showed the aircraft essentially vaporized after going up in a cloud of flame and smoke. The plane crashed around 11:20 a.m. local time.
Hayes said the investigation into the crash could take up to six months and noted the B-52 in question was involved in a “radar modernization program.”
Boeing confirmed two of the eight killed were employees of the aerospace company.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It is with great sadness that we confirm two Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and offering support,” the company said in a statement.
Edwards AFB announced shortly after that the airfield was closed entirely and flights were being redirected.
