Eight People Dead In B-52 Bomber Crash At U.S. Air Force Base

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, and it could take up to six months to complete an investigation.

A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at a U.S. Air Force base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert Monday.

The bomber burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard. The crash occurred during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base.

Those on the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were also on board.

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, and it could take up to six months to complete an investigation.

The airfield was closed most of the day and all inbound aircrafts were diverted. But, it reopened to people coming onto the base Monday afternoon.