Emergency services had been working frantically since 8.45am to free the man when he went inside the ink tank in Auburn to clean it.
It’s believed his legs were trapped by a blade inside the tank, which is located in an ink and chemical manufacturing company.
The victim is believed to be aged in his 30s. His body is still trapped in the tank
Three men went inside and two were able to be freed. Both rescued men were taken to Westmead Hospital with multiple leg fractures. They are in a stable condition.
NSW Ambulance Superintendent Paul Turner said the rescue operation had been complex.
“The third patient unfortunately died on scene, this is a terrible tragedy.
“We had ten ambulance resources on scene, along with NSW Police and Fire & Rescue…We did absolutely everything we could.”
Some of the rescuers were experts in working in confined spaces, he said.
“It’s a tragic set of circumstances so close to Christmas”.
Work Cover has been informed of the incident and was now at the scene.