SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Explodes During Test in Cape Canaveral

A SpaceX 9 rocket exploded Thursday during a routine test in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ship has reportedly exploded at a launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Associated Press reported the rocket was unmanned when it exploded around 9 a.m. local time during a test that NASA says was routine. The rocket was set to launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Saturday. 

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Local NBC affiliate WESH 2reported there were multiple explosions, the first around 9 a.m., and the second about 20 minutes later. Buildings several miles away shook from the blasts, while multiple other blasts were reported for several minutes following the second explosion. Sirens could be heard after the explosion, according to WESH 2.

The Brevard County Emergency Management Office tweeted on Thursday morning that the explosion did not pose a threat to the general public:

SpaceX also tweeted out a statement it confirming there had been an explosion and called the incident an "anomaly." The statement also confirmed that the explosion had not caused any injuries:

WESH 2 reported the rocket ship was set to hoist an Israeli satellite during the launch scheduled for Saturday. 

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