B-52 bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base kills eight

Eight people, including two Boeing employees, were killed when a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed immediately after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California.

The crash occurred at 11:20 local time on Monday during a routine test mission. A large plume of black smoke rose from the site and was visible for miles.

"Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans," said Col James Hayes. He described the victims as a mixed crew of military personnel, government civilians and government contractors.

The base said initial indications showed the crash was not survivable. Next of kin are being notified and will be named 24 hours later.

The crash was contained on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, Hayes said. Operations at the base have been temporarily suspended.

The B-52 had been supporting the base's radar modernisation programme and burst into flames right after takeoff. No cause has been determined. A series of investigations will begin and could take up to 30 days, with further analysis possibly lasting more than six months.

Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were on board and said the company is in contact with their families. It declined further comment.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the crash a tragic incident and offered condolences to the families and the base community.

All inbound aircraft have been diverted and non-commercial visitor passes suspended until further notice to allow focus on emergency response.

The B-52 Stratofortress has been in US military service since the 1950s and is nicknamed the Buff. It is a long-range strategic bomber that has taken part in bombing raids during the US and Israel's war in Iran.

The aircraft can fly up to 50,000 feet and carry a 70,000-pound payload that can include hundreds of conventional bombs and 32 nuclear cruise missiles. It can refuel in flight.

US Representative Vince Fong, whose district includes part of the base, wrote on X that the loss was absolutely heartbreaking. Congressman Jay Obernolte posted on Facebook that he and his wife were praying for the crew, their families and first responders.