U.S. Boeing B-52 Stratofortress crashes after taking off from California base

[Financial News]   A USAF strategic bomber, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, crashed after takeoff on the 15th local time at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California.
AP and BBC reported that the bomber went down near the base shortly after takeoff, and the fate of the crew on board has not yet been confirmed.
The base said, "Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene immediately after the accident and are working to contain the situation." It added, "The extent of any casualties has not yet been confirmed. We will release additional information as soon as it becomes available." However, the base spokesperson declined to answer specific questions from BBC and other major foreign media outlets about the incident.
Foreign media reported that a massive column of black smoke and flames was rising from the crash site, visible to the naked eye from several kilometers away.
Edwards Air Force Base was completely shut down because of the crash. The base said on X, "We have closed the runway, and all aircraft bound for the base are being diverted elsewhere."
Edwards Air Force Base is one of the USAF's major test flight and operational bases, located in the Mojave Desert about 160 kilometers north of Los Angeles.
The crashed Boeing B-52 Stratofortress can fly at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, or about 15 kilometers, and can carry up to about 32 metric tons of bombs.
It can carry hundreds of conventional bombs as well as 32 air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM) capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It can also be refueled in the air, making it a symbol of America's powerful nuclear umbrella since the Cold War.
A total of five crew members are on board: the pilot, co-pilot, radar navigator, navigator, and electronic warfare officer.
As news of the crash spread, concern and condolences continued to pour in from U.S. political circles.
Representative Jay Obernolte, whose district includes Edwards Air Force Base, said on Facebook, "My wife and I are praying for everyone affected by today's accident, especially the crew, their families, and the rescue workers at the scene."
Representative Lisa McClain, a Republican from Michigan and a member of the United States House Committee on Armed Services (HASC), also posted on X, saying, "My prayers are with everyone involved in this afternoon's B-52 crash," while expressing gratitude to the rescue workers fighting at the scene. She added, "Our service members carry the heavy burden of this nation's security every day. We will always stand with them."
jjyoon@fnnews.com Yoon Jae-jun Reporter