September 27, 2024 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have identified the woman who tragically died after entering an underground fuel storage tank as Mayra Minchaca Torres, 32, of Delhi. A second woman, found unconscious alongside her, remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

Preliminary findings suggest that one of the calves on the property had fallen into the tank, prompting the women to enter in an attempt to rescue the animal. Investigators believe they were overcome by hazardous fumes and a lack of oxygen within the confined space. While the women were successful in rescuing the calf, unfortunately, the animal had to be euthanized at the scene due to its condition. The two remaining malnourished calves discovered on the property were taken into care by Merced County Animal Services.

An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Daniel Ramirez at (209)385-4983.

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the extreme danger associated with entering confined spaces, especially those that may contain chemicals. Fumes or lack of oxygen can incapacitate a person within seconds. We urge everyone to avoid entering confined spaces without proper training and equipment.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office

Related: Woman Dies in Merced County After Two Women Rescued from a Tank Containing Fuel in Delhi