OAN Staff Addie Davis and Lillian Mann
Monday, June 11, 2026
UPDATE: 4:30 PM PT: Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California has announced that all eight passengers aboard the United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber are presumed dead, according to authorities.
The aircraft was carrying out a routine test mission when the crash occurred, according to a statement released by the base on Monday afternoon.
The statement also added that “initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” and the tragedy is currently being investigated.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and unit members at this time,” the Edwards Air Force Base said in an X post. “More information will be released as it becomes available.”
12:49 PM: A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed at the Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California, the base confirmed.
The crash reportedly happened at 11:20 a.m. PDT, shortly after take off, and emergency crews are currently responding to the scene as the situation remains ongoing, the base reported in a social media post on Monday.
The Edwards Air Force Base sits in Kern County, but its eastern end is in San Bernardino County and a southern arm is in Los Angeles County. The hub of the base is Edwards, California.
The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber weighing approximately 185,000 pounds and capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional military payloads, according to the Air Force Global Strike Command. It typically boasts a crew of five people.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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