Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded while on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral in Florida, US media have reported.
“We experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test,” the company said in a brief statement posted to X, adding that “all personnel have been accounted for”.
Video from the incident shows smoke emerging from beneath the rocket before it fully combusts into a massive fireball.
Florida congressman Mike Haridopolos, whose district includes Cape Canaveral, said in a statement on X that he had been in contact with Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman regarding the explosion.
“I am grateful there were no reported injuries and thankful for the first responders, engineers and launch crews who acted quickly,” Haridopolos said.
The explosion is the latest setback for the space exploration company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Last month, its New Glenn rocket failed a mission to deliver a communications satellite into the correct orbit, prompting an investigation.
- AFP
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