Rescue Talk™
Double Confined Space Fatalities in Texas
Two workers died in a confined space on Friday, June 13, 2025, near Fort Worth, Texas. Few details are available at this time as reported by the Star-Telegram News.
According to officials, the two men were unresponsive when reached by the local fire department rescue personnel. Initial reports indicated that the men had been doing maintenance in a concrete underground water storage tank when they could not be contacted by coworkers. The location was only accessible by lightweight vehicles.
Upon arrival, local firefighters were unable to make contact with the entrants. The crew entered the tank using self-contained breathing apparatus where they ultimately found the two men unresponsive. This proved to be another needless tragedy. This incident serves to remind us how inherently dangerous even benign confined spaces, such as water storage tanks, can be.
A few confined space stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
The latest BLS data on confined space fatalities was reported during the period from 2011-2018. The numbers showed 1,030 deaths with the most common confined spaces being grain bin interiors; sewers, manholes, and storm drains.
It was reported that 56% of confined space fatalities were due to hazardous atmospheres, emphasizing the importance of continuous atmospheric monitoring and ventilation. The most common types of inhaled gases were hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, methane, sewer gas, and solvents and degreasers. In addition, there were 39 cases of depletion of oxygen and 21 cases of drowning. The construction and manufacturing sectors are particularly vulnerable, with 61% of all confined space fatalities from the same period.
This recent incident is another reminder of just how dangerous confined spaces really are. We don’t know exactly what happened here, but the risks are no secret. Hazardous atmospheres are involved in more than half of all confined space fatalities across the country. While we wait to learn more, it’s a good time to step back and ask if we’re truly prepared. Things like training, proper equipment, planning, and clear roles aren’t just part of the regulations, they are necessary steps to make sure everyone goes home at the end of the day.
