AVONDALE, AZ — Officials say two men have died and four firefighters suffered heat-related injuries after a hazmat situation at an Avondale truck wash Sunday afternoon.
Rescue and hazmat crews responded to the scene at Danny’s Truck Wash near 99th Avenue and Van Buren Street shortly before 1 p.m.
The Avondale Fire Department says two men died after being caught inside the vault of a semi-truck container holding an unknown residual chemical substance.
The men were employees of the car wash and were working to clean the inside of the tanker truck, Avondale police said.
One of the men went inside the tank, collapsed and became unconscious shortly after. The second man went inside to help and became unconscious as well.
Fire personnel say they extricated the two men out of the vault while wearing full protective gear.
During the incident, four firefighters suffered heat-related injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene along with Avondale crews.
The container was empty at the time of the incident, firefighters say.
Officials say this was not a hazardous spill or release and did not put the public in any danger.
Avondale police will be conducting the investigation.
A fundraiser has been set up for one of the victims, if you would like to donate, click here.
