Man dies, two injured while cleaning asphalt tank

A worker was overcome by fumes while cleaning an asphalt tank at the Jobe Avispa Canyon Quarry early Saturday morning.

El Paso Fire Department officials responded to the quarry in Canutillo at 7410 N. Desert Blvd. Upon arrival, firefighters saw workers on top of a tanker attempting to rescue two victims inside. Fire officials said the victims were cleaning the inside of tanker when they grew ill.

A third worker was able to self-rescue prior to FD arrival. He was treated and transported to area hospital. The remaining two victims were rescued from the tanker by firefighters and were also transported to area hospitals. One of the victims, a 58 year old male, succumbed to his injuries and later died.

OSHA officials were notified of the workplace fatality.

EPFD rescue units backed by West Valley firefighters, responded to the scene along with El Paso EMS and Life ambulance.