Eight people have been confirmed dead after a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California during a routine test mission. 
By Fredrick Kioko
Eight people have been confirmed dead after a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California during a routine test mission. The aircraft went down at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time on June 15 and burst into flames, with officials describing the crash as unsurvivable.
According to military officials, those on board included a mix of military personnel, government civilians, and contractors. Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among the victims. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released as families continue to be notified.
The bomber was supporting a radar modernization test program when the accident occurred. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and operations at the base were temporarily suspended following the crash.
The cause of the crash remains unknown and is under investigation by Air Force safety officials. The B-52, one of the U.S. military's longest-serving strategic bombers, remains a key component of America's air power and nuclear deterrence capabilities.
