A missile launch rehearsal incinerated its own command team. 🚀

A missile launch rehearsal incinerated its own command team. 🚀 . . . On October 24, 1960, an R-16 missile erupted on its pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome. Burning fuel engulfed technicians while toxic propellant fumes smothered escape routes; at least 74 people died. Strategic Missile Forces commander Mitrofan Nedelin had been sitting beside the missile he was rushing to launch.