A B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, on Monday morning. - The crash occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m.
shortly after takeoff. - Emergency crews responded and the airfield was closed, diverting all inbound aircraft.
- No immediate information was available on casualties or the crew's condition. - The B-52 is a long-range bomber that has been in service since 1955, used in conflicts from Vietnam to the Middle East.
The incident comes nearly a year after a close call involving a B-52 and a regional airliner over North Dakota.