Chicago – June 16, 2026
Eight people were killed after a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff in California on Monday, authorities said. The aircraft went down in an open area moments after departing from a military airfield, triggering a large fire and emergency response.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but all eight crew members aboard were confirmed dead. Officials have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash.
The U.S. Air Force has launched an investigation to determine what led to the incident. Witnesses reported seeing the bomber lose altitude before crashing.
The B-52 is a long-range strategic bomber that has been a key part of the U.S. military fleet for decades.
