Woman who died after entering Merced County fuel tank identified by authorities
Authorities have identified a woman who died last week after entering an underground fuel tank while attempting to rescue an animal in Merced County.
According to the Merced County Sheriff's Office, Mayra Minchaca Torres, 32, of Delhi, died after entering the fuel tank with another woman at a property in the 15000 block of Oak Street in Delhi. According to the Sheriff's Office, investigators believe the women were overcome by hazardous fumes and a lack of oxygen in the confined space, when they entered the tank in an attempt to rescue a calf that had fallen in.
Authorities said the other woman who was found unconscious in the fuel tank is in critical condition after being transported to a hospital.
Merced County deputies responded to a report of two people inside the fuel tank about 3:15 p.m. Sept. 23. Cal Fire crews responded to the scene and extracted the women from the tank. Authorities said the women successfully rescued the calf which was ultimately euthanized on scene due to its condition.
Merced County Animal Services seized two other calves from the property that were found to be malnourished.
Authorities said the incident remains under investigation and an autopsy is pending to determine the woman's cause of death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff Office Detective Daniel Ramirez at 209-385-4983.
