US strategic bomber crashes shortly after takeoff in California

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, a nuclear-capable strategic bomber, crashed Monday shortly after taking off from an air base in California.

The long-range bomber, which can perform a variety of missions and is produced by Boeing, crashed on the Edwards Air Force Base at 11:20 a.m. local time, the base said.

The base said emergency crews “immediately” responded to the scene and the “situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

The majority of the base is located in Kern County. The base sits about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert.

The B-52 bomber, which can fly high subsonic speeds at altitudes of 50,000 feet and carry a payload of up to 70,000 pounds, can provide close-air support, strategic attacks, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.