The Region - News from Feb. 28, 1985

Two men who were rendered unconscious by chemical fumes and spent 17 hours inside an empty water tank in the Angeles National Forest were in critical condition at the Sherman Oaks Community Hospital burn center, where they were under treatment for facial burns and possible damage to internal organs. A U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman said Richard Naaz, 29, and John Matthews, 23, were overcome by petroleum solvent fumes in the sealant material they were using to patch leaks in a water tank at Monte Cristo Campground. She said they regained consciousness and were able to crawl out of the tank. They were spotted by an off-duty Los Angeles police officer and rushed to the hospital.