Self-destructing

Denver Nicks has a Time article about the Antares rocket:

The unmanned rocket that exploded seconds after liftoff recently on its way to the International Space Station did so because the operator hit 'self-destruct' once problems with the launch became apparent, the company that owns it said.
The Antares rocket, operated by Orbital Sciences Corp., crashed in a large fire, scattering debris over a wide area. It was carrying more than five thousand pounds of scientific instruments, food and other supplies for the astronauts aboard the space station when down with the rocket. NASA says the space station is equipped with plenty of food to last while additional resupply missions are organized.
Orbital spokesperson Barron Beneski told CNN that the crash was initiated by the flight termination system. Such an order is typically given after it’s clear the rocket will not meet its intended trajectory in order to ensure that it goes down over a relatively small and unpopulated area. No injuries were reported in the crash.
The problem occurred in the first stage of launch, Orbital said, in a possible sign that its vintage, Russian-designed engines could have been the cause.

Rico says he's still wondering if Denver is Stevie Nicks' brother, but never mind... (And that would've been a long, hard moment before the launch director hit that button.)