NASA has stated that SpaceX was test firing its unmanned rocket when the blast occurred. The routine test was being conducted in advance of a launch planned for Saturday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket was scheduled to carry an Israeli satellite.
According to the Associated Press, “Buildings several miles away shook from the blast, and multiple explosions continued for several minutes. A cloud of dark smoke filled the overcast sky.”
Stay tuned for more information as the story develops.
UPDATE – SpaceX has released the following statement concerning the explosion:
“At approximately 9:07 am ET, during a standard pre-launch static fire test for the AMIS-6 mission, there was an anomaly at SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 resulting in loss of the vehicle. The anomaly originated around the upper stage oxygen tank and occurred during propellant loading of the vehicle. Per standard operating procedure, all personnel were clear of the pad and there were no injuries. We are continuing the review the data to identify the root cause. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.”