India, June 16 -- At least eight people, including two Boeing employees, were killed after a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff in Southern California, according to media reports.

The aircraft had taken off from Edwards Air Force Base for a routine test mission when the accident occurred.

Following the crash, a thick plume of smoke was seen rising from the site and was visible from a considerable distance.

"Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans," Col. James Hayes was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Hayes said the crash was "totally contained" within the Edwards Air Force Base runway area, adding that the base has temporarily grounded operations following the in...