{"id":2158,"date":"2026-06-15T23:37:04","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T23:37:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metrotransitreview.com\/?p=2158"},"modified":"2026-06-15T23:37:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T23:37:04","slug":"eight-presumed-dead-after-b-52-stratofortress-explodes-in-huge-fireball-at-edwards-air-force-base-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metrotransitreview.com\/?p=2158","title":{"rendered":"Eight presumed dead after B-52 Stratofortress explodes in huge fireball at Edwards Air Force base in California"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At least 8 people are dead after an $85 million nuclear-capable B-52 Stratofortress crashed in a huge explosion at California\u2019s Edwards Air Force Base, officials said on Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n

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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 on Monday morning.<\/p>\n

Other images showed the smoldering remains of the aircraft with a massive black shadow across the site where it made impact.<\/p>\n

Several hours after the crash, the base announced eight had been killed in the crash.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11:20 a.m.. Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable. Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel,\u201d a statement read.<\/p>\n

The base posted on X just after noon: \u201cA United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 a.m.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available.\u201d<\/p>\n

In an update, it added: \u201cThe 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.\u201d <\/p>\n

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\u201cHeather and I are praying for everyone involved in today\u2019s B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, especially the crew, their families, and the first responders on scene,\u201d local Congressman Jay Obernolte said.<\/p>\n

After the initial explosion, one social media user wrote: \u201cDid something just happen at Edwards Air Force Base? Currently seeing a large column coming from the base, cams are aligned with one of the runways.\u201d<\/p>\n

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