COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and Caicos – An active investigation is ongoing following the explosion of a Space X starship that impacted the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

Headed by the US Federal Aviation Administration, alongside UK and TCI authorities, the probe was launched when debris from a January 16 Space X launch fell on and near the archipelago, minimally damaging property and prompting the diversion of several flights.

Following the explosion, residents of the UK overseas territory were initially advised by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) not to touch any of the debris over fears of hazardous materials, and to instead mark the exact location and report to authorities.

In a subsequent statement the TCIG confirmed that no hydrazine, a colorless, highly-hazardous and flammable liquid used as rocket fuel, was on board the rocket.

Authorities from the United Kingdom are working with the Turks and Caicos Environmental Health Department, Maritime Department and Department of Environment and Coastal Resources to “consider any potential environmental issues that may occur on land or in the marine environment” following the incident.

The country has several protected areas, home to dolphins and whales at certain times of the year, and sports one of the largest barrier reefs in the world.

Videos of the glowing debris had been posted across social media on Thursday, captured by islanders.

The TCI is often privy to rocket sightings because of its flat landscape and proximity to Cape Canaveral, Florida which houses the Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Centre.

–         Dana Malcolm