One dead, one hospitalized after being found in Merced County fuel tank, authorities say

A woman has died and another woman has been hospitalized after they were found trapped inside a fuel tank in Merced County, according to authorities.

Merced County sheriff’s deputies responded about 3:15 p.m. Monday, to a property in the 15000 block of Oak Street in Delhi for a report of two people inside of a tank containing fuel, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies located the women inside the tank.

Cal Fire crews tried to rescue the women. One woman was pulled from the tank and rushed to the hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time. The other woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities did not release the ages or identities of the women.

Law enforcement said that there was no indication that the women ended up in the fuel tank as a result of any malicious act.

The tank was on a property with a residence, but it’s unclear if the women lived at the residence or if the fuel tank was related to any form of business, authorities said.

Oliver said that detectives also located three malnourished calves at the property. Two of the calves were seized by authorities, and one was immediately euthanized.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information regarding the incident to contact their Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7445.

This story was originally published September 24, 2024 at 4:17 PM.