SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas witnessed a fatal workplace accident when a contractor died following a fall. The incident occurred Friday, just days before the Elon Musk-led company plans to launch a new version of its Starship rocket. The contractor worked for a company supporting development of the complex.

Starbase, located about 20 miles east of Brownsville, serves as the primary site where SpaceX builds and launches its Starship rockets. The company has been preparing for a much-delayed test flight featuring an updated design. Mission controllers currently expect the launch to proceed as scheduled for Wednesday evening despite the recent tragedy at the facility.

Neither SpaceX nor representatives from the city of Starbase, created specifically for SpaceX's operations, responded to requests for comment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials also declined comment. The accident could impact SpaceX's launch timeline and operations at the critical Texas facility.