An American Bomber Crashed in California, Eight People Killed 0 12

The disaster occurred at Edwards Air Force Base — one of the key centers for U.S. military operations, located approximately 95 kilometers north of Los Angeles.

"The U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, conducting a scheduled test mission with eight people on board, crashed shortly after takeoff at 11:20 AM (21:20 Latvian time) today. According to preliminary data, there are no survivors from this disaster," the base stated.

The statement also noted that emergency services are working at the scene, and officials are engaged in searching for and identifying all those on board the aircraft. The causes of the crash are under investigation.

After the accident, the base's airfield was closed, and all incoming flights were redirected to other airports.

The B-52 Stratofortress is a heavy strategic bomber that first took to the skies in 1954. It was originally designed for a potential war with the Soviet Union. After the Cold War, aircraft of this type have been repeatedly upgraded, allowing for an extended service life.

The U.S. has used the B-52 in armed conflicts in Vietnam, during the Gulf War, as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, and this year, in Iran.