Update: 07/01/2024 Tire Explosion Victim’s Employees and Friends Try to Understand the Tragedy

A week after our report of the tragic tire explosion that occurred at the Firestone in Cape Coral Florida, the employees and friends of the victim try to understand what had happened.  Firestone employees identify the victim, Rick Hanson, and said he was a great manager. They say was also a husband and father.

Customers who say they also considered Rick a friend, said he was a very funny person. They say he was a type of person who made everyone feel like they were the only customer, and he would go above and beyond to make sure people’s vehicle issues were solved.

You can find hundreds and it continues to go up, of posts from customers of Rick on social networks that describe him the same way as being a very helpful man who people could tell enjoyed what he did and enjoyed doing what he could for others.

We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Rick Hanson and we would like to encourage others to do the same. We have decided to not contact the family so they can have privacy and try to heal from this tragedy.

A spokesperson from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) said they are still investigating what had caused the tire to explode. They said they are unable to comment any further on this open investigation. Cape Coral Police Detectives are also investigating the incident and will release information when the investigation is complete.

Tuesday June 25, 2024

Tire Explosion Causes Fatality of Firestone Employee in Florida

The Cape Coral Police has turned over the investigation of the fatal tire explosion at Firestone to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Firestone is located at Skyline Boulevard and Veterans Parkway.

Today Police released their report on the incident. They report on Sunday an employee at Firestone was attempting to inflate a tire, but was having some unknown trouble with it. The witness said it began to overinflate. Several others warned the employee to not continue with inflating the tire however the warnings went ignored.

The employee then put their body weight on the tire and the tire then exploded from the pressure. The rim reportedly flew from the explosion. Other employees who did not witness the event heard the explosion and then observed the person on the floor. The victim had visible head injuries.

Caution tape was removed around Firestone however the store was closed and only people picking up their vehicles were allowed in the area. The store will remain closed until further notice.

Several people who were at the Home Depot at the time of the explosion said they thought it was thunder. Then multiple fire, ambulance and police were seen rushing to the Firestone nearby.

The name of the employee is not being released at this time pending family notifications.

OSHA is currently still investigating this incident.

 

Firestone Cape Coral Florida Tire Explosion 06-23-2024