Article

On August 20, six workers died from hydrogen sulfide gas exposure at Prospect Valley Dairy in Weld County, Colorado. The victims were Oscar Espinoza Leos, 17; Carlos Espinoza Prado, 29; Noe Montanez Casanas, 32; Jorge Sanchez Pena, 36; Ricardo Gomez Galvan, 40; and Alejandro Espinoza Cruz, 50.

First responders from Southeast Weld Fire Protection District initially responded to a confined space rescue and noted high levels of hydrogen sulfide at the site. Agricultural safety experts reported that such a fatal incident involving six individuals from a single exposure is unprecedented in their experience. Hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, can be produced from decomposing manure and is known for its deadly potential in high concentrations.