Many years ago, when it was commonplace in the NE to change from summer to winter (bias ply) tires, I worked at a very busy full service station. The first snowflakes lined customers down the block. My friend (and boss’ son) was operating the tire machine. One suddenly exploded, threw him across a 12’ service bay and into an Exit sign (on a block wall) above a man door, where he dropped to the floor, wearing only his underwear! Miraculously, he had only minor injuries. We never did find a reason, suspected a faulty tire. There is incredible energy in compressed gas. My condolences to the families.