TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida tire shop employee died after a tire “exploded” while he was inflating it on Monday afternoon.

Deputies were called to the A-Expert Tire and Automotive Service at 8794 Alico Road in Fort Myers around 12:50 p.m. for reports of a “possible death,” the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

When officials arrived, medics said the employee, Richard Vallini, was inflating a tire when it exploded and struck him. He suffered “severe” head trauma from the explosion and was pronounced dead, LCSO said.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies spoke with an employee who witnessed the incident. He said he saw Vallini filling large tires with air before he went inside the shop.

The witness returned shortly after to help Vallini relieve air pressure from the tire when it suddenly blew off the rim and struck Vallini in the head.

Deputies said the tire also hit the witness in the leg before he yelled for help. Another employee called first responders as the witness held towels against Vallini’s head.