The B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California, causing the deaths of the crew onboard; eight crew members died. Military officials say the aircraft was conducting a local test sortie tied to a radar modernization program; investigators are assessing potential causes. Emergency crews responded as the airfield it was secured and the incident remains under investigation. Additional sources indicate eight people died in the incident at a Southern California base; authorities continue to investigate without immediate disclosures.