An unfortunate incident at a Sacramento Costco gas station has resulted in the death of a worker who had been hospitalized after passing out inside an underground fuel tank. KCRA reported that the worker, later identified as 37-year-old Ashkan Moghadda, was employed by Ponder Environmental Services and was engaged in cleaning the gas station's tanks during renovation when the accident occurred.
According to the Sacramento Fire Department, the rescue effort began around 10:45 a.m., after Moghadda had entered the tank, which was free from fuel but still contained dangerous levels of gasoline vapors. The fumes, or a medical condition, caused Moghadda to lose consciousness in the space approximately 10 to 15 feet below the surface. "The other workers were trying to get down in that hole and take them out. It's obviously not a good idea. They weren't on supplied air or anything of that nature," said Justin Sylvia, a fire department spokesperson, underscoring the danger of the situation, and the need for careful rescue protocols, as noted by KCRA.
Despite efforts to save Moghadda, including CPR performed en route to a local hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries. Details obtained by Hoodline note the worker's critical condition following the incident, and the worker's time inside the tank estimated to be around 20 to 30 minutes before rescue was possible.
The aftermath of the tragic event has raised questions about safety precautions during such operations. "There should have been air monitoring going on continuously through this operation, even prior to our arrival, just because of the toxicity of those fumes, the danger that comes with the explosive hazard of those fumes," said Sylvia, as per KCRA. Furthermore, the Sacramento County coroner disclosed Moghadda's identity earlier today, adding a sobering personal element to the news that has rippled through the local community.
As investigations continue under the auspices of Cal/OSHA, the public has been advised that the fuel tanks pose no threat. The gas station remains closed during the probe, with Sacramento Fire Department urging avoidance of the area.
