B-52 bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base leaves 8 dead | FOX 10 Phoenix

Eight people are dead after a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. Edwards Air Force Base Deputy Commander Colonel James Hayes confirmed that the crash occurred during a local test sortie supporting the military's radar modernization program, and officials have deemed the incident entirely unsurvivable. Emergency personnel immediately responded to cordon off the scene and extinguish the flames that erupted when the aircraft went down. The tragedy claimed a mixed crew consisting of military personnel, government civilians, and independent government contractors working together on the test mission. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing released a statement confirming that two of its employees were among the eight victims lost in the crash, expressing deep condolences and offering direct support to their grieving families. Authorities are actively working to notify all next of kin as the community reacts to the devastating loss. Military officials emphasize that the investigation into the exact cause of the crash will be extensive and highly structured. An interim safety board will be established first, transitioning into a formal safety investigation board and an eventual accident investigation board to review all data before details are released to the public. According to Colonel Hayes, this thorough investigative process can take upwards of six months to fully conclude. Subscribe to FOX 10 Phoenix!    / @fox10phoenix   #b52bomber #edwardsafb #military #california #news #fox10phoenix FOX 10 Phoenix delivers breaking news, live events, politics, entertainment, business news and local stories from Phoenix, Arizona and across the nation. Watch more FOX 10 Phoenix on YouTube:    • Arizona headlines      • National headlines      • Top Videos