B-52 bomber crashes after takeoff at Edwards Air Force base in California

A B-52 bomber crashed after taking off Monday from a US Air Force base in California.

The crash took place shortly after takeoff at 11:20 a.m. on the Edwards Air Force base, according to a post on X.

“Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing,” the post said.

There were no immediate details about casualties, and a spokesman from the base declined to give any further information.

Aerial footage showed a huge charred area on the ground.

There appeared to be very little left of the plane, with the journalist in the broadcast helicopter speaking of a “large plume” of black smoke that had been visible in the aftermath of the crash.

A number of emergency vehicles could be seen by the burned patch.

The B-52 is a long-range bomber that has been used by the US Air Force since the 1950s.

With a combat range of up to 8,800 miles the plane is capable of carrying a nuclear payload.

The United States has deployed the aircraft in conflicts in Vietnam, the Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan and most recently in Iran.