8 Dead In ‘Unsurvivable’ B-52 Crash, Air Force Official Says

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Eight servicemembers died after a B-52 Stratotanker crashed shortly following takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, California, at 11:20 a.m. local time, the military said.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach confirmed the servicemembers’ passing Monday night on X. Earlier Monday, Edwards Air Force Base revealed the crash in an initial Facebook post, noting that emergency personnel responded to the scene immediately and that it was an active situation.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of eight teammates today at Edwards AFB,” Wilsbach wrote. “My thoughts are with the bomber and test communities during this difficult time. I am keeping the families, friends, and loved ones affected in my prayers.”

Col. James Hayes said the incident took place shortly after the B-52 took off on a mission as part of the “Radar Modernization Program,” which Col. James Hayes described as a local test mission during a press conference Monday, ABC7 Eyewitness News reported. “We lost eight great Americans, this crash is deemed to be unsurvivable, and right now, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their loved ones,” he said.

The base posted again later Monday, saying that, “The airfield has been closed, and all inbound aircraft are being diverted.”

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