A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber reportedly crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the base, the incident occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time (1920 GMT).
Images and videos circulating on social media showed a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky, visible from several miles away.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the crash resulted in any injuries or fatalities.
Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, while officials launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range strategic bomber that has served with the US Air Force for decades, remains a key component of the country’s military aviation fleet.
Further details are expected as authorities continue to assess the situation and gather more information.
