I wonder if this was some crazy mod.
At the time of his death, D’Elia was using a “mod” type of Smok-E Mountain Mech Works pen that was manufactured in the Philippines.
I use the Storz and Bickel Mighty. Most of it is plastic. I guess it is slightly better if something plastic explodes in your face. I never really thought about it like that, but I guess it is a possibility.
https://www.storz-bickel.com/us/en/mighty.html
I did a teardown if one, and it has temperature sensors on the batteries to prevent stuff like this.