Violent Road

The rocket launched at the beginning of the movie is a Viking rocket. According to "The Viking Rocket Story" by Rosen, a static test - where the rocket engine is fired but the rocket remains on the pad - went bad when the rocket left the launch pad completely out of control. Housing for the families of the workers was close enough to be within range. Luckily the rocket landed in the desert and did not hurt anyone.

When Frank tightens the cap to prevent the corrosive liquid from leaking out, he uses his bare hand which leads to severe burning, rather than simply using his shirt or scarf for protection. He easily could have used a wrench from the tool box his mechanic was using at the time.