The Daily Morning Sun Online //

File photo. A B-52 bomber of the US Air Force has crashed in California. It crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. The air base authorities said in a statement.

The accident occurred at 11:20 am local time on Monday. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether anyone was injured. A huge black plume of smoke was seen in the sky after the plane crashed. It was visible from several miles away.

The statement said that emergency rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene and rescue operations are still underway. More information will be provided later.

The US military has been using the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress aircraft since the 1950s. This large aircraft is nicknamed ‘The Buff’, which is short for ‘Big Ugly Fat’.

Video footage from the sky shows smoke still billowing from the crash site.

The B-52 is a long-range strategic bomber. The US military recently used it in its war against Iran.

This massive bomber can fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet. It can carry about 70,000 pounds of weapons. It can carry hundreds of conventional bombs or 32 nuclear-armed cruise missiles.

The plane can be refueled in mid-flight, allowing it to strike anywhere in the world. During the Cold War, it served as a ‘nuclear umbrella’ for the United States.

The B-52 Stratofortress usually has a crew of five. Among them is a commander, a pilot, a radar navigator, a navigator and an electronic warfare officer.

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