B-52 Bomber Crashes at Edwards AFB

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, killing all eight crew members aboard.

The aircraft was on a routine test mission when it went down and burst into flames.

Boeing confirmed the fatalities, and a safety investigation board has been launched to determine the cause.

The B-52 has been a constant in U.S. wars from Vietnam to the Middle East and remains a vital part of military operations despite its age.