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.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.