Military archbishop offers prayers for victims of Edwards Air Force Base accident

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, offered prayers for the victims and families of the victims of a June 15 fatal plane crash at the Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California.

“The bishops, priests, religious, and staff of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, join me in offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident at Edwards Air Force Base,” Broglio said in a statement provided to EWTN News.

“I pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away and for the families where an emptiness has been provoked and deep sorrow pierces their hearts,” he said. “May the Lord of all mercies bring them consolation.”

All eight people aboard the B-52 Stratofortress died when the bomber crashed during a routine test mission. The plane crashed shortly after take off at 11:20 a.m. local time, and the accident is under investigation, according to a statement issued by the base.

The victims included members of the military, government civilians, and contractors. The tests were supporting the B-52 Radar Modernization Program, which seeks to improve the bombers’ capabilities of tracking moving surface and air targets.

Col. James Hayes, deputy commander at 412th Test Wing, said in a news conference that first responders immediately attended to the crash, but the bomber had burst into flames on impact and the crash was not survivable.

Hayes offered prayers for the families and said the base “experienced a horrible tragedy and we lost eight great Americans.” He said the full review of the accident could take up to six months and, following the investigation, some details will be released to the public.

Rep. Vince Fong, R-California, whose district includes the air force base, said he and his wife are praying for the victims and their families and asked others to pray as well.

“Absolutely heartbreaking,” he said in a post on X. “God bless the [eight] crew members on board. Amanda and I are praying for them, their families, and all those in the Edwards community. Rest in peace.”

Two of the victims were employees of Boeing, which issued a statement extending condolences to the families and saying the company is in contact with them and offering support.