A/c Ka Boom !

Today A friend of mine turned on his A/C to his 98 jetta GLS and the compressor blew up. I mean the thing shot chunks of the compresser threw the hood and out the lights and bumper. It tore a hole in the radiator, cut the A/C lines and some electrical wires. Has anyone ever seen this happen before? Also is there a way to ditch the A/C.