A military aircraft crashed during takeoff from a base in Point Mugu, California. The Boeing 707 erupted in flames just off the runway with a fire so intense it is melting the fuselage. The older aircraft was used for transport and had three passengers on board. All three escaped safely. The 158,000 pounds of fuel within the plane is burning itself out with a thick, toxic black smoke. Residents are being asked to stay indoors because of the intensity of the smoke and strong winds. [Channel 6 News]

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