A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, the Pentagon said. "Initial indications are that no one survived the crash," a statement from the base said. "Emergency rescue personnel have arrived at the scene and relevant departments are verifying all personnel."
The statement stated that the aircraft was performing a "routine test mission" when the accident occurred, and the crash time was 11:20 Pacific time.
According to media reports citing Edwards Air Force Base, all eight crew members on board the crashed B-52 bomber are believed to have died.
The long-range bomber, built by Boeing and typically carrying a crew of five, has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since the 1950s. According to U.S. Air Force information, the price of the aircraft is approximately US$84 million.