A Sears employee was killed and a customer was injured at a Sears Auto Center in Sandown, N.H, by an exploding tire, according to local media.

Salem Police say they believe the employee was leaning over the tire changer, which inflates the tire the same time it mounts the rim and seals it, and was struck in the head when the tire and rim moved up from the explosion.

According to media reports on the initial investigation, the employee was fixing a truck tire.

The employee was transported to Parkland Medical Center and pronounced dead shortly after the explosion, while the injured customer sustained a head injury and was sent to Lawrence General Hospital and airlifted to Boston Medical Center.

Following the accident, Sears issued a statement:

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our associate, and we send our deepest condolences to them. We also send our thoughts and concerns to our customer who was injured in this tragic accident. We are working closely with local authorities as they investigate this matter,” the company said.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials and the Salem Police are currently investigating the incident.