Chinese citizens were in shock and seen running for safety after toxic rocket debris crashed into a populated area on Saturday. The incident occurred during a joint Sino-French mission to study Gamma-ray bursts, which encountered a setback as a rocket booster fell over a populated area. The Long March 2C rocket was carrying the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite.
A video shared on social media by China ‘N Asia Spaceflight on X captured the alarming moment when the rocket booster crashed into an area where children and adults were on the road, causing them to flee for safety.
The incident raised serious concerns about the hypergolic propellant used in the Long March rocket, known for its highly toxic and corrosive nature. Comments on the video reflected these concerns.

One social media user contrasted global priorities, saying, “We’re in a modern-day space race. China is dropping toxic rockets on their citizens while we are spending months determining if we can put clean water in wetlands. Hopefully, our lead and SpaceX’s drive are enough.”
Another comment condemned the handling of spent rocket stages, “They need to be very ashamed of themselves. The absolute dismissal of any safety in the disposal of spent stages is disgusting!”
Amidst the criticisms, a third user quipped, “I’m no rocket engineer, but I’m pretty sure that rocket is going in the wrong direction.”