37-Year-Old Man Dies After Fainting While Working Underground at Costco Gas Station in Sacramento – September 8, 2025
Accident Overview:
A 37-year-old worker died on September 8, 2025, after fainting inside an underground vault at a Costco gas station construction site in Sacramento. Emergency responders removed him from the confined space, but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident remains under OSHA investigation.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Type | Workplace Fatality – Confined Space Incident |
| Location | Costco Gas Station, Expo Pkwy & Response Rd, Sacramento, CA |
| Date | September 8, 2025 |
| Parties Involved | Construction worker, emergency responders |
| Injuries | None reported to others |
| Fatalities | One confirmed (37-year-old male) |
| Law Enforcement | Sacramento Fire Dept., OSHA |
| Legal Note | Surviving family may pursue wrongful death or workers’ comp claim |
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🚨 What Happened
Just after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, a 37-year-old worker was inside an underground utility vault at a Costco gas station construction site when he fainted. The vault, part of the fuel infrastructure installation, had limited access and visibility. It is unclear whether the worker was overcome by heat, fumes, or another hazardous condition. He was unresponsive when first responders arrived.
Witnesses on site reported the man had not shown signs of distress prior to entering the confined space. Other crew members called 911 when they realized he had collapsed and was not responding to verbal calls or radio communication.
🧑⚕️ Medical Response
- Sacramento Fire Department used a specialized harness system to retrieve the man from the vault.
- CPR was administered immediately on-scene before he was rushed to a local hospital.
- Despite efforts by paramedics and hospital staff, the man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
🚔 Investigation Underway
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has opened a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities are looking into whether the contractor followed required confined space protocols, including air quality monitoring, standby personnel, and emergency planning. Violations could result in significant fines or trigger wrongful death litigation. The name of the worker has not yet been publicly released.
⚖️ Legal Options
Wrongful Death Claim
The surviving family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit if negligence is found—such as inadequate safety procedures, failure to monitor air quality, or lack of proper confined space protocols.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
California’s workers’ comp system provides death benefits to the families of workers killed on the job. This typically includes funeral expenses and ongoing support for dependents.
Third-Party Liability Considerations
If a contractor, equipment supplier, or third-party inspector contributed to unsafe conditions, the family could potentially file a civil suit against those entities in addition to workers’ comp.
📊 Statistics
📉 OSHA reports that confined spaces cause over 100 workplace fatalities annually in the U.S., often due to poor ventilation or inadequate training.🏗️ Construction remains one of the deadliest industries in California, with over 450 jobsite deaths reported in the last 5 years.
⚠️ Sacramento has seen at least 5 workplace deaths in the past two years involving falls, machinery, or environmental hazards.
💡 In California, only 1 in 3 confined space entry points at construction sites are routinely monitored for air quality before work begins.
Sources: Cal/OSHA, CDC, U.S. Department of Labor
💼 Past Case Results
⚖️ $5.2 million settlement for the family of a worker who died from toxic gas exposure in an unventilated vault.⚖️ $3.9 million awarded in a wrongful death claim after a Sacramento worker fell unconscious in a confined space with no rescue plan in place.
⚖️ $2.5 million verdict after a subcontractor failed to identify a hazardous underground work zone, resulting in fatal injuries.
👨⚖️ Fighting For You
At the Scranton Law Firm, we believe no family should suffer in silence after a loved one dies on the job — especially under dangerous and preventable conditions. We’ll investigate every contractor, safety violation, and potential third-party responsible to ensure that justice is served and your family is fully compensated.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Is the family eligible for more than just workers’ comp?
Yes. If any third-party negligence is discovered — like unsafe equipment or contractor error — the family may have grounds for a separate wrongful death lawsuit.
What are the legal rules around confined space deaths?
OSHA has strict regulations for confined space entry, including monitoring air quality, training, and rescue planning. Violations can support civil claims.
Does Costco bear any legal responsibility in this case?
That depends on who employed the worker and who controlled the jobsite. If Costco hired the contractor or failed to ensure site safety, they could share liability.
What is the process for filing a workplace wrongful death case?
The family typically files a claim through workers’ comp first, then consults an attorney to explore any third-party liability or negligence.
How long does the family have to take legal action?
Generally, California allows two years to file a wrongful death claim. But workers’ comp claims must be initiated sooner, so acting quickly is crucial.
