SEOUL - Fire engulfs the landscape, as Korean firefighters struggle to put out the blaze caused by the apparently faulty rocket design leading to the explosion.
There is much speculation as to what could have caused the rocket to explode, officials in North Korea say.
The death toll is currently at around 234, with about 12 people missing.
The rocket was scheduled to be launched by noon today, but exploded at around 9:15 AM, according to eye witnesses.
A Japanese official, speaking under terms of anonymity, stated: "I'm not surprised after the last incident. Kim Jong-il is digging himself a deep grave."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was not available for comment.
