Van Tire Explodes, Killing Man and Injuring Another
GARDEN GROVE — One man was killed and another was hurt Wednesday afternoon when a tire they were fixing exploded, officials said.
Thomas Allen Gullotto, 39, died outside his home in the 10800 block of Allen Drive after being hit in the head by the flying tire and rim, authorities said.
Dennis R. Shrell, 38, of Garden Grove taken to AMI Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center with severe injuries to his face and head, police said.
The two men were putting a van tire on a rim in the driveway when it somehow exploded, said Capt. David Barlag of the Garden Grove Fire Department.
“The air pressure inside caused the thing to take off flying,†he said.
A neighbor who heard the explosion said the tire struck the men as it blasted about 50 feet in the air.
“There was just a big boom,†said the neighbor, who declined to be identified by name. “The tire flew up above our big trees.â€
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