B-1 Bomber Crash in Montana; 4 Crew Escape With Only Minor Injuries
A B-1 bomber crash on Monday morning has taken place in a remote region of southeast Montana, according to reports. The four crew members aboard the bomber managed to escape with only minor injuries.
According to a spokesperson from Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, the B-1 bomber went down near Broadus.
Aboard the aircraft when it went down were two pilots and two weapon systems officers, CBS station MTN in Missoula, Montana. All four members of the crew were able to eject from the aircraft before it crashed to the ground.
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Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander has said, "We are actively working to ensure the safety of the crew members and have sent first responders to secure the scene and work closely with local authorities at the crash site. Right now all of our thoughts and prayers are with the crews and their families," according to CBS News.
Locals to the area reported that emergency sirens were activated in the area between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Eye witnesses have described that several parachutes were deployed from the plane prior to it going down, and once they were all clear the aircraft crashed down in a large explosion. In the aftermath, a huge plume of smoke was visible for miles around from the crash site.
Ellsworth Air Force Base said the Air Force will be conducting an investigation, and the cause of the crash will be announced when it is confirmed.
