diff --git a/src/htmx.js b/src/htmx.js
index 7a6e2358..dbdd2e10 100644
--- a/src/htmx.js
+++ b/src/htmx.js
@@ -1741,7 +1741,10 @@ return (function () {
                 } catch (e) {
                     logError(e);
                 } finally {
-                    parent.removeChild(script);
+                    // remove old script element, but only if it is still in DOM
+                    if (script.parentElement) {
+                        script.parentElement.removeChild(script);
+                    }
                 }
             }
         }