U.S. B-52 Bomber Crashes, Eight Killed

Darwin, 17 june : Eight people were killed after a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed in California. The accident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California on Monday local time.

According to base authorities, the aircraft crashed at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time. Following the accident, thick black smoke could be seen rising from the crash site and was visible from several miles away.

According to a report by AFP, the aircraft had been conducting a routine test flight. In addition to military personnel, government officials and civilian contractors were also on board at the time of the crash. Edwards Air Force Base is located about 95 kilometers (59 miles) north of Los Angeles.

In a statement, authorities said emergency response teams arrived at the scene immediately after the accident and launched rescue and recovery operations. Investigation and recovery efforts remain ongoing, and further details will be released later.

Aerial footage showed smoke continuing to rise from the wreckage some time after the crash. The Boeing-built B-52 Stratofortress is one of the United States’ most prominent long-range strategic bombers and has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since the 1950s. The massive aircraft is commonly nicknamed “The BUFF,” an acronym for “Big Ugly Fat Fellow.” The U.S. military recently employed this type of bomber during operations against Iran.

The B-52 is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and carrying as much as 70,000 pounds of ordnance. It can be equipped with more than 100 conventional bombs or up to 32 nuclear-capable cruise missiles. The aircraft can also be refueled in midair, allowing it to conduct long-range missions almost anywhere in the world. During the Cold War, it served as a key component of the United States’ nuclear deterrence strategy.

A standard B-52 crew typically consists of five members: a commander, a pilot, a radar navigator, a navigator, and an electronic warfare officer.