One Dead, Two Hurt After Texas Asphalt Tank Mishap

June 15, 2014
One man died and two where injured after being trapped in an asphalt tank in El Paso

June 14--One man is dead and two others are at an area hospital after being trapped inside an asphalt tank at the Jobe Materials quarry in Canutillo, officials said. At about 7:44 a.m., the El Paso Fire Department responded to a call on the 8400 block of N. Desert Blvd.

Upon arrival, officials said workers were on top of the vehicle trying to rescue two people who were trapped inside a 5,000 gallon cylinder. A third person, who had also been trapped, had exited the cylinder before firefighters arrived.

The victims were inside the cylinder cleaning it when they grew ill, said Battalion Chief Jorge Rodriguez, spokesman for the El Paso Fire Department. El Paso firefighters were able to rescue the two people trapped.

All three victims were taken to an area hospital and treated for their injuries.

Rodriguez said one of the victims, a 58-year-old man, later died from his injuries.

The death was reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, officials said.

Officials with Jobe Materials could not be reached for immediate comment.

Alex Hinojosa may be reached at 546-6137.

Copyright 2014 - El Paso Times, Texas

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