Eight presumed dead after B-52 bomber crashes in California

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed on a military airfield in California shortly after taking off, according to a Monday statement from Edwards Air Force Base. Emergency crews immediately responded after the long-range bomber went down at around 11:20 a.m. local time, according to the statement.

Footage from the crash’s aftermath circulated online, showing black smoke billowing off several hundred yards of scorched desert earth. Officials closed the airfield just before 1 p.m. local time and started diverting all incoming aircraft, according to a separate update.

How many people were involved in the crash? The crash was not survivable, according to a statement from Edwards Air Force base. Eight people were believed to be aboard the bomber, according to the Associated Press, citing the Air Force. More information will be shared once available, according to the base.

Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., released a Monday statement acknowledging the crash within his district. Obernolte and his wife were praying for all involved in the crash, especially the crew and their families, he wrote. Reps. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., August Pfluger, R-Texas, and Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, also released statements acknowledging the crash and praising first responders at the scene.