[09-08-2025] Sacramento County, CA – 37-Year-Old Man Dies After Fainting While Working Underground at Costco Gas Station

A 37-year-old man from Berkeley died after fainting while working underground on a gas tank at a Sacramento Costco on Monday morning, September 8, 2025.

According to the Sacramento Fire Department, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. at the Costco on Expo Boulevard.

The man, identified by the Sacramento County Coroner as Ashkan M., was working with a third-party crew from Ponder Environmental to clean an underground holding tank. It is believed that he either passed out from the strong gas fumes or suffered a medical emergency after making his way down the tank.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found that the man was trapped in the confined space, about 10 to 15 feet below the surface. Rescue teams had to take special precautions, using supplied air, to avoid becoming victims themselves. Once rescued, Ashkan was hosed down to remove gasoline and fumes before being transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The incident is being investigated by Cal/OSHA, which is the lead agency for workplace accidents. Sacramento Fire and Hazmat teams were also involved in the investigation.

Authorities are reminding businesses to monitor air quality when working in confined spaces like fuel tanks.

Contact Our Workplace Injury Lawyers In Sacramento, CA

Workplace accidents, especially those involving hazardous environments like confined spaces, can result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding your potential legal options may help you take the next steps after a workplace accident.

Workplace injury lawyers in Sacramento County can help you explore your legal options following an incident in a hazardous environment. This may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining how to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Families and victims may also consult with employment lawyers for guidance on workplace rights and protections.

In cases where exposure to toxic substances is a factor, legal support may involve matters related to chemical exposure and its potential health effects. Early legal guidance can help ensure proper handling of the case and clarify your options for pursuing compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a workplace accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Workplace Injury In Sacramento, CA

Accidents that happen in hazardous work environments, like confined spaces, may lead to serious injury or death. Taking certain steps afterward can help protect your legal rights and preserve important evidence.

1. Call Emergency Services And Seek Medical Attention
   Contact 911 immediately and ensure that anyone injured receives a prompt medical evaluation. Even injuries that seem minor should be checked for underlying complications.
2. Document The Scene And Hazards
   If it is safe, take photographs of the accident scene, equipment involved, and any visible injuries or hazards. This documentation can be helpful for insurance and legal purposes.
3. Report The Incident To Your Employer And Authorities
   Ensure the incident is reported to your employer and the appropriate regulatory agencies, such as Cal/OSHA. Documentation from these organizations can be vital for any future legal action.
4. Consult Workplace Injury Lawyers
   Work injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options, assist with insurance claims, and ensure that critical evidence is preserved. Early consultation may help protect your rights and clarify the next steps.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

In 2022, there were 5,486 work-related deaths in the United States, representing a 5.7% increase from 2021. On average, this means that one worker died every 96 minutes from a work injury, compared to every 101 minutes in 2021.

The leading cause of fatal work injuries was transportation incidents, which accounted for 37.7% of all work-related deaths. In 2022, there were 2,066 fatalities due to transportation accidents, marking a 4.2% increase from 2021.

Falls, slips, and trips were the second most common cause of death in the workplace. In 2022, 865 workers died from these incidents, a slight rise of 1.8% from the previous year. Most of these fatalities (80.9%) were due to falls to lower levels, with 700 deaths in 2022, up from 680 in 2021.