Watch: SpaceX test ends in blast at Texas site; all personnel safe, say officials

A SpaceX Starship prototype experienced a major anomaly during a test at the company’s Starbase facility in Texas late Wednesday night, the company said on social media X.The rocket was seen bursting into a giant ball of fire during a routine test.

The Starship 36 rocket was undergoing a static fire test at Elon Musk’s Starbase site when its nose suddenly burst open, as seen in shocking footage.

The blast caused the screen to flash white for a moment.When the light faded, a huge fireball spread across the ground while thick black smoke rose into the night sky. The incident happened around 11 pm. CT on June 18 while the spacecraft was on a test stand.

SpaceX confirmed that all personnel are safe and accounted for, and that a safety perimeter had been maintained throughout the operation.The company’s Starbase team is now working with local officials to secure the test site and the surrounding area. SpaceX said there are no hazards to people in nearby communities.

“We ask that individuals do not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue,” the company stated.This was part of preparations for Starship’s tenth flight test, although it is unclear how the anomaly will affect future plans.

The cause of the anomaly has not been released.According to ValleyCentral, residents have reported that the massive explosion shook windows and rattled dishes,Firefighters rushed to the scene as the City of Port Isabel told residents that SpaceX had a problem during testing. Officials said they are keeping an eye on the situation, according to KRGV.