JAKARTA - A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber crashed in California while undergoing a routine test flight on Monday. All eight people on board were killed.
Based on the Anadolu Agency report, which was quoted on Tuesday, June 16, the plane crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base at 11.20 local time or 18.20 GMT.
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber used by the US Air Force. Edwards Air Force Base said the plane was on a "routine test mission" when the crash occurred.
"Initial indications suggest the crash is not likely to have any survivors," the Edwards Air Force Base said on Twitter.
Colonel James Hayes, Deputy Commander of the 412th Test Wing, called the crash a "horrible tragedy". The 412th Test Wing is a flight test unit at Edwards Air Force Base.
"We lost eight great American citizens," Hayes said at a news conference, as quoted by Anadolu Agency.
According to Hayes, the victims consisted of military personnel, government civil servants, and private contractors.
Boeing, as reported by Anadolu Agency, confirmed that two of its employees were among the dead. Boeing is a United States aerospace company that designs and manufactures the B-52.
"It is with great sadness that we confirm two Boeing employees were among those on board," Boeing said. The company also expressed condolences to the families of all victims and said it would continue to provide support.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene in northeast Los Angeles shortly after the plane crashed. Edwards Air Force Base said teams were still working to ensure all personnel involved.
The cause of the accident is still being investigated.
Previously, the base closed the airfield and diverted all incoming aircraft.
"All non-commercial visitation permits are suspended until further notice so that the installation can fully focus on emergency response operations," the base said.
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