Eight people onboard the long-range bomber were killed in a crash at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday. The mishap also reduced the number of operational B-52s

Edwards Air Force Base said emergency responders were on the scene.

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, the base said.

An official said an investigation could take up to six months and noted the B-52 in question was involved in a "radar modernization program."