The front (and, apparently rear) shipping covers were not removed from the launcher prior to firing -- and the entire launcher launched!
Apparently, the missile didn't leave the tube until the launcher hit the ground and knocked off the front cover.
Those guys were darned lucky -- especially the photographer in the vest, because it hit the ground directly in front of him.
Even more so, because the missile, apparently, didn't "arm".
If anyone is interested, I have frame grabs that clearly illustrate all of the above...
TXnMA
