A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday morning, producing a large plume of smoke visible across the high desert region of Los Angeles County.
The accident occurred shortly after takeoff at approximately 11:20 a.m. on the base's airfield, according to a social media post from the base.
Emergency crews responded immediately, and the situation remains ongoing. It is not yet known if there were any injuries or fatalities.
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber capable of performing a variety of missions and is described by the military as the "backbone of the manned strategic bomber force for the United States." Typically, the aircraft carries a crew of five, including an aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator, and electronic warfare officer.
Edwards Air Force Base is primarily located in rural southeast Kern County, with portions extending into east San Bernardino County and northern Los Angeles County, near Lancaster. The crash site is within the base's boundaries.
Authorities have not released further details about the cause of the crash or the status of the crew. This is a developing story.