If you read the beginning of the article it wasn't just catastrophic failure of the 2 tires. I spoke with the capt of another RJ that was next in line for takeoff and supposedly both the flaps on that side and the hydraulic lines were affected (pierced/torn through?) as well. Apparently they tried to tow it a while ago but the mains started to collapse so they stopped. Secondhand info from the field, but I'm certain the crew did the right thing.