Area 51 has long held a place in pop culture as one of the most secretive military bases in the world. For decades, the U.S. government refused to even acknowledge its existence until the early 2010s, fueling endless speculation about what really goes on there.

Many believe the facility hides evidence of extraterrestrial life or reverse-engineered alien technology, while others think it’s simply where advanced aircraft are tested far from public view. Either way, the base remains surrounded by mystery — and this latest event has only added to it.

Now, reports of a recent crash about 12 miles east of the base’s security perimeter have given enthusiasts even more to wonder about. The incident’s proximity to the restricted zone — and the government’s limited response — has only deepened the intrigue.

Officials have confirmed that something unusual happened, but the details remain tightly controlled, as they often do with events surrounding Area 51.

The secreacy around Area 51 has led to people believing aliens are involved Bernard Friel/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

According to their October 4 update, an aircraft belonging to the 432nd Wing was involved in the event, though officials emphasized that there were no fatalities or injuries. What drew more attention, however, was their note that the FBI had been called in to investigate due to “signs of tampering” at the site.

The unusual wording immediately raised eyebrows among those familiar with the secrecy surrounding the region.

During this time, according to Mail Online, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary flight restriction over the surrounding area. The airspace was closed off for a full week, officially citing “national security” concerns.

No additional explanation was provided once the restriction ended, leaving observers to speculate about what might have been discovered there.

Creech Air Force Base issued a statement about the crash on October 4 IIsaac Brekken/Getty Images

“The matter is under investigation by Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and the FBI. No further details are available at this time.”

For context, an inert training bomb body is a practice weapon used by military forces. It’s not equipped with any explosives but mimics the size and weight of a real bomb for training and testing purposes. Finding one at a restricted crash site only adds to the strangeness of the situation.

Until then, anyone hoping for official answers about what really happened near Area 51 will probably be left waiting — or looking to the skies for clues of their own.