A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress has crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:20am local time on Monday, with emergency crews quickly responding to the scene. Authorities have confirmed the situation remains ongoing.

Aerial footage from the area shows a large burn scar and smoke rising from the crash site in the western Mojave Desert, around 160 kilometres northeast of Los Angeles.

The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber that has been a key part of the U.S. Air Force’s fleet for decades.

At this stage, officials have not released details on the number of people on board, the cause of the crash, or any injuries or fatalities.

Edwards Air Force Base says emergency responders remain on scene as investigations begin into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

More information is expected to be released as it becomes available.