This is a special ability for a tank; it belongs to the Rangers faction, so the ability isn't optimized for Hellfire (by the way, I didn't know about this bug).
The explosion does NOT deal damage when the unit dies from a hero's attack.
So, can this ability only be given to Rangers? And is it possible to make a normal version? One where the unit is hit, the orb explodes, and normal damage is dealt? Otherwise, the ability is useless.