Eight people, including two Boeing employees, have died after a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff in Southern California.
The accident occurred at around 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday while the plane was on a routine test mission. The collision caused a powerful explosion and a large cloud of black smoke that could be seen from miles away.
"Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy and we lost eight great Americans," said James Hayes, explaining that the victims included military personnel, civilian government employees and contractors.
According to military authorities, the plane was engaged in support of the base's radar modernization program and crashed moments after takeoff, bursting into flames. Officials stressed that initial indications indicate that the accident left no chance of survival for those on board.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, as their families are being notified by authorities. In the meantime, operations at the air base have been temporarily suspended.
The cause of the accident remains unknown. Preliminary investigations are expected to take up to 30 days, while a full analysis of the causes could take more than six months.
In a separate statement, Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were on the plane and that the company is in contact with the families of the victims.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the incident a "tragic incident" and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the air base community.
