US B-52 Bomber Crashes in California; 8 Dead

A U.S. Air Force B-52 strategic bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California on the 15th (local time). All eight crew members onboard are presumed dead in the accident.

The flight was intended to support a test flight for a radar modernization program. The Deputy Commander of the 412th Test Wing described the accident as 'unrecoverable'.

The exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined. The U.S. Air Force has not released the identities of the deceased due to the ongoing notification process for next of kin.

Edwards Air Force Base suspended aircraft operations until at least the 16th due to runway damage caused by the accident.