Update: SpaceX has confirmed that there were no personnel injuries in the blast but the rocket and payload were destroyed.

Falcon 9 explosion A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has exploded. Here's what we know so far: http://tcrn.ch/2c86Srv Posted by TechCrunch on Thursday, September 1, 2016

According to numerous eyewitness reports, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket just exploded during a test on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral. This rocket was set to launch on Saturday, Sept. 3 on a mission to deliver Facebook’s first satellite to orbit.

This rocket was scheduled to launch the Amos-6 communication satellite, which among other functions included the capabilities for Facebook to spot-beam broadband for Facebook’s Internet.org initiative. Facebook and France-based satellite provider Eutelsat spent $95 million for a five-year lease on the satellite’s Ka-band communication array.

“We are disappointed by the loss but remain committed to our mission of connecting people to the Internet around the world,” a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.

The local county emergency management office states there is no threat to the general public in the surrounding areas.

Developing…



Update on this morning's anomaly pic.twitter.com/1ogCMPCY44 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 1, 2016

Statement on this morning's anomaly pic.twitter.com/3Xm2bRMS7T — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 1, 2016

Pic of damage to launch tower from @SpaceX test firing explosion pic.twitter.com/ZPCiQ0p94B — Todd Harrison (@ToddHarrisonDC) September 1, 2016

For anyone who wondered why launch prep takes weeks & why no one is allowed near, this is why #Falcon9 #SpaceX pic.twitter.com/ukCPmAhOhD — ABOLISH ICE (@MinnesotaLoving) September 1, 2016

It does look pretty localized. Falcon 9 appears to have had a RUD well within her pad area. Still awful of course. pic.twitter.com/wdf09P6bKQ — Chris B – NSF (@NASASpaceflight) September 1, 2016

https://twitter.com/TigernBear/status/771335016198639616

https://twitter.com/TraumahawkTV/status/771334973211148288

https://twitter.com/ErinHead_HIM/status/771335928778465280/photo/1