One Man Killed, Another Injured In Fullerton Industrial Accident

FULLERTON (CBS) — Two men were overcome by fumes at a paint company in Fullerton Tuesday, and at least one man died.

A 45-year-old man and a 62-year-old man were overcome with fumes at Vista Paint, 2020 E. Orangethorpe Ave., at about 2:25 p.m. The 62-year-old was declared dead.

The survivor remained in critical condition at U.C. Irvine Medical Center Tuesday night.

Police called referred to the incident as an industrial accident.

The fumes were reportedly caused by paint stripper, while the men were working inside a tank. They apparently became overcome and collapsed, according to police. Coworkers later found them unconscious.

Cal/OSHA will investigate the on-the-job injuries.

A Cal/OSHA spokesperson told the Orange County Register that in 2008 Vista Paint employees were cited after an accident in Palm Desert. The company also reportedly received four regulatory citations -- one for an incomplete illness or injury plan; two for operation of an industrial truck; and one for a truck that was overturned.

CBS2 tried to reach the paint supplier Tuesday night, but they were unavailable for comment.