B-52 Bomber Crash: Eight Killed In California

All eight people on board died after a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California.

The officials at Edwards Air Force Base said that the incident occurred on Monday at 11:20 local time (19:20 GMT) while the aircraft was performing a routine test flight.

"On Tuesday, a tragic event happened at Edwards Air Force Base, resulting in the loss of eight distinguished Americans," Col Hayes described them as a "diverse crew comprising military personnel, government civilians, and contractors."

The official report further stated that the B-52 was assisting with the base's radar modernization efforts when it crashed and ignited shortly after takeoff. 

The reason for the crash has not yet been determined.