An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday.

ABC News reported that emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and that the situation was still ongoing.

As of the initial report, official casualty details had not been released.

The cause of the crash has also not been confirmed.

Nick Sortor shared this breaking update from X as word of the crash began spreading:

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Edwards is a major U.S. flight-test hub.

The Air Force and NASA both conduct test flights of new and developmental aircraft there, according to ABC News.

That is part of why any B-52 incident at Edwards immediately draws national attention.

The aircraft involved is one of the most recognizable bombers in the U.S. arsenal.

The official Air Force fact sheet explains why the B-52 remains such a central aircraft:

The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions.

The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters).

It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.

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During Desert Storm, B-52s delivered 40 percent of all the weapons dropped by coalition forces.

It is highly effective when used for ocean surveillance and can assist the U.S. Navy in anti-ship and mine-laying operations.

In two hours, two B-52s can monitor 140,000 square miles (364,000 square kilometers) of ocean surface.

For more than 60 years, B-52s have been the backbone of the strategic bomber force for the United States.

The B-52 is capable of dropping or launching the widest array of weapons in the U.S. inventory.

This includes gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision guided missiles and joint direct attack munitions.

Updated with modern technology, the B-52 is capable of delivering the full complement of joint developed weapons and will continue into the 21st century as an important element of our nation’s defenses.

Rapid Report also posted video from the breaking scene:

ABC noted that the B-52 typically carries a crew of five.

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No official cause, crew status, or casualty count had been confirmed at the time of the initial report.

This is a developing story, and updates are expected as Edwards Air Force Base and the Air Force release more information.

Please pray for the service members involved and their families.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport. View the original article here.

 

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