(The Center Square) - All eight people onboard a B-52 Stratofortress died when the plane crashed shortly after take-off Monday for a routine training mission from Edwards Air Force Base in California.
“Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans,” Col. James Hayes, the deputy commander at the base's 412th Test Wing, said during a news conference late Monday afternoon.
The group onboard was a mixed crew made up of government civilians, government contractors and uniformed military personnel.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm two Boeing employees were among those on board,” Boeing posted on X Monday night.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink posted a message Monday on X as well. "We are deeply saddened by the eight lives lost in today’s tragic crash at Edwards AFB. We mourn this loss and honor the service of our Airmen, civilians, and contractors who work every day to advance our mission. I send my sincerest condolences to their families and loved ones."
According to Hayes, the plane crashed immediately after take-off and burst into flames. The crash was entirely contained within Edwards Air Force Base, which is in the Mohave Desert and is 100 miles north of Los Angeles.
First responders sprang into action and put out the flames. Once the crash was deemed unsurvivable, recovery operations were put into place.
“Our test missions take place every day, multiple times a day,” Hayes told reporters. He added that it is the first tragic crash he has experienced during his three years on the base.
“At this point, we don’t have any indication as to what the cause of this was,” Hayes said.
A safety board is investigating the crash and will issue its initial report within 30 days, Hayes told reporters. He said additional details from the investigation will be released to the public during a process that could take up to six months.
Edwards Air Force Base has been reopened for individuals to come on the base, but operations for Tuesday have been terminated due to runway conditions.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members," Hayes said. "This is a tragedy, and this is going to be the worst days of their lives."
Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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