Eight presumed dead after B-52 bomber crashes at California air force base

B-52 crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards air force base in southern California’s Mojave Desert, officials say Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Eight people are presumed dead after a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday morning at a US air force base in California’s Mojave Desert, officials said. “An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11:20 a.m,” Edwards air force base said in a statement on Monday afternoon. “Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable. Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel.” Those who died comprised military members, government employees and civilian contractors, according to James Hayes, the deputy commander at Edwards air force base. Officials do not plan to release the names of those who died in the crash until after next of kin are notified, he said. “Right now our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that lost their loved ones,” Hayes said at a news conference. Aerial footage showed virtually nothing left of an aircraft. Black smoke rose from a large swa