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Not only that, but if they really thought it was a spark in the fuel tank, it would be very easy to rectify by just flooding the tank with nitrogen as the fuel was pumped out. That could be done with off the shelf components... A scuba regulator and a tank of nitrogen.

A spark in a fuel tank will, in most cases, NOT explode. In order for an explosion, you need a very specific ratio of fuel vapor to air, and a spark. Regular gasoline is only flammable between 4% and 7.6% in air. (Not sure on the different aviation fuels, but likely similar.) And with the evaporation controls, it's hard for an actual tank to get that low. The only way most fuel tanks nowadays could even have a chance of exploding is if they have a leak allowing more air to enter and lower that ratio. A small leak may get the ratio outside the tank to that point faster, but I doubt you'd get enough of an explosion to do that much damage.

Also, given the plane had just left the airport, their tanks were almost definitely full, meaning you would have extremely little room in the tank for fuel vapor/air, so even if it was the right ratio you would never get enough of an explosion to disintegrate the plane. (Near-empty tank could be different though.) And, liquid fuel CANNOT EXPLODE. It will burn, yes, but NOT explode.

Liquid fuel does not burn either, only its vapors. But you are correct about needing the proper air fuel mixture to explode. Also, jet fuel AKA kerosene is not that explosive at room temperature but is when heated a couple hundred degrees. Most people do not know you can put out a lit cigarette in a cup of gasoline @ room temperature.

Also, given the plane had just left the airport, their tanks were almost definitely full, meaning you would have extremely little room in the tank for fuel vapor/air, so even if it was the right ratio you would never get enough of an explosion to disintegrate the plane. (Near-empty tank could be different though.) And, liquid fuel CANNOT EXPLODE. It will burn, yes, but NOT explode.

The center fuel tank was empty. It wasn't needed for a flight of the length planned.