Doug, since your partner was involved, it seems to me that controlling the flow of information with regards to potential causes as to why the thing blew may be imperative. It may even be a matter of life or death.
How to put this......Think along the lines of those questions where the lady asks her man, "Does this (pair of jeans, purse, motorcycle) make my butt look big?"
This is one of those questions that should never (I repeat, NEVER) be answered by the man. Only bad things can come of it. Very bad things.
So, depending on what the actual reason for the blowout ends up, you may have to control that information. For your own sake.
By the way - nice work on keeping all safe and sound. And the reason the tow truck guy was smiling - with the flat tire he could actually get his toes on the ground. I expect he also made engine noises.