An explosion rocked SpaceX's rocket engine testing facility in McGregor, Texas, during a routine test on the Starship IFT-4 project, causing significant flames and smoke to billow from the site.
Images shared by witnesses and local media captured the dramatic scene, showing the test tower engulfed in flames and thick smoke rising into the sky. Despite the intensity of the explosion, the test track itself emerged unscathed, according to reports.
SpaceX has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. However, eyewitnesses reported that white smoke continued to emanate from the test stand for over a minute following the explosion.
The explosion occurred while SpaceX was concurrently working on the Starship IFT-4 project at its Boca Chica, Texas, facility. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols during these high-stakes tests. More information is expected as SpaceX conducts an investigation into the cause of the explosion.