A 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 on a local test sortie tied to a radar modernization program; investigators are assessing potential causes. responders rushed as the airfield was secured and the incident remains under investigation. Other reports note eight people died in the incident at a Southern California base; authorities are continuing investigations without immediate disclosures.