Eight people were killed when a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The aircraft was carrying out a routine test flight and crashed shortly after takeoff. After falling, it caught fire on the grounds of the base.
The deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing said that, judging by video footage, the crash was “not survivable.”
According to him, military personnel, civilian employees and contractors were on board. The names of the victims will be released after their families have been notified.
Boeing confirmed that two of the victims were company employees and expressed condolences to their relatives.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that two Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are providing the necessary support,” the company said in a statement.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. According to the military, the investigation could take several months.