The US military believes all those on board the B-52 bomber died after it crashed in California

California —
The US military announced that preliminary indicators suggest there are no survivors in the crash of a B-52 Stratofortress bomber, after the plane crashed in California shortly after takeoff during a routine test mission.

The military authorities confirmed that the bomber was carrying eight people at the time of the accident, while rescue and emergency teams continue search operations and manage the crash site, alongside opening an official investigation to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident.

The accident led to the closure of the nearby airport and the rerouting of scheduled flights, to allow response and emergency teams to work in the area.

Photos from the crash site showed widespread destruction in the impact area, with parts of the plane scattered over a large area, while thick columns of smoke rose amid a dense presence of firefighting, ambulance, and security teams.

The B-52 Stratofortress bomber is one of the most prominent strategic aircraft in the US Air Force, having entered service since the 1950s and still forming a key pillar in the United States' long-range deterrence capabilities.

The aircraft is distinguished by its ability to carry out long-range missions and carry large quantities of conventional and strategic munitions, and it has participated over decades in many military operations and combat missions around the world.

Investigations are expected to focus in the coming days on reviewing flight data, maintenance records, and the plane’s recent communications, to determine the reasons that led to its crash shortly after takeoff.