A U.S. Air Force B‑52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, prompting an immediate emergency response as officials worked to secure the airfield.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed just after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California on Monday, authorities said.

The aircraft was on a routine test mission before the crash, which sent a huge plume of black smoke into the air that could be seen for miles.