First boot hangs (Fatpack 1.10.0)

[wingcx159]

I am a first time Raspiblitz user, assembled with Raspberry Pi 4, using the latest Fatpack image (raspiblitz-fat-v1.10.0-2023-09-22.img.gz). However I cannot proceed beyond the initial boot screen. After seeing a randomized Raspiblitz logo, the start up screen eventually gets stuck at "Starting Raspiblitz Please wait ..." and does not proceed any further. No progress even after 20+ minutes.

SSH takes me to the same screen/message ("Starting Raspiblitz Please wait ...").
Network connection established (green and amber link lights seen on ethernet ports and IP address shown on Raspiblitz screen).
I have attempted multiple boots.
I have tried accessing the WebUI via IP - this gives me "Starting Boostrap" and a spinning wheel (does not proceed any further, even after 20+ minutes).
I have reformatted and re-flashed the SD card (32 GB) with the 1.10.0 fatpack image. I have also reformatted the SSD (1 Tb).
Also tried alternating between USB 2.0 and 3.0 on boots.

Thanks in advance!