Huge B-52 Stratofortress Explodes in Fireball at California Air Force Base
An $85 million nuclear-capable B-52 Stratofortress has crashed in a huge explosion at California’s Edwards Air Force Base.
A massive cloud of black smoke appeared in the skies above Kern County after the enormous military jet smashed into the ground shortly after takeoff.
Other images showed the smoldering remains of the aircraft with a massive black shadow across the site where it made impact.
The base posted on X just after noon: “A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 a.m.
“Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
In an update, it added: “The airfield has been closed, and all inbound aircraft are being diverted. All non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation to focus entirely on emergency response operations.” It’s currently unclear if anyone was injured in the crash.
ALERT: A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 a.m.
Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/x932d3HXHz
— Edwards Air Force Base (@EdwardsAFB) June 15, 2026
(Read more from “Huge B-52 Stratofortress Explodes in Fireball at California Air Force Base” HERE)
