India, June 19 -- A SpaceX Starship prototype erupted in a massive fireball during ground testing late Wednesday, local authorities confirmed, with dramatic footage of the explosion captured live.

The vehicle, known as Ship 36 and designated for an upcoming test flight, was undergoing a routine engine static fire at the company's Starbase facility in Texas when it suddenly exploded just before midnight.

SpaceX said it was coordinating with local authorities to secure the area around its Starbase test facility following the explosion of a Starship prototype during a late-night engine test.SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, said it was working with local authorities to secure the area around its Starbase test facility in Texas after a Starship...