Mechanic killed when air pressure in tire causes it to explode, Florida cops say

A swollen tire that exploded under pressure is to blame in the death of an auto shop worker, Florida investigators say.

The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, at A-Expert Tire & Auto Service Center in the San Carlos Park area near Fort Myers, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said in a report.

Richard Vallini suffered “severe trauma” to the head, officials said. He was 20 years old, The News-Press reports.

The explosion was witnessed by Jason Kitzinger, who said he and Vallini were in an “exterior service area” filling large tires with air just before it happened.

“While relieving the tire of some air pressure, the tire (blew) off of the rim and struck the deceased in the head,” the sheriff’s office said.

“When the tire expanded, it also struck Kitzinger in the leg. Seeing the trauma to (Vallini), Kitzinger yelled for help.”

His calls for help drew another person, and they held towels against Vallini’s head in hopes of saving his life, the report states.

A paramedic arrived and declared Vallini dead shortly before 1 p.m., officials said.

Details of Kitzinger’s leg injuries were not released.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there have been previous cases of workers killed when large tires exploded during maintenance.

“The forces involved in this type of explosion are very powerful and capable of causing serious injury to anyone in the immediate vicinity,” a North Dakota State University study reports.

Fort Myers is about a 130-mile drive southeast from Tampa.

This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 10:31 AM.