Only if the metal is already about to fall apart... which it was in this case.

A rim can get fatigue cracks at the spoke holes, which typically propagate along the center of the rim... just like the big crack in this rim. It looks like cracks at two adjacent DS spokes eventually got so big that they "joined up" when extra stress was added.

Unless you are in the habit of ignoring your equipment, I wouldn't worry about this happening to you. There should have been ample warning.