1 mechanic dead, 1 hurt after massive dump truck runs over pickup at Arizona copper mine

240-ton truck kills worker at Arizona copper mine

PHOENIX — A 240-ton dump truck ran over a small pickup at a copper mine southeast of Phoenix, killing one diesel mechanic and severely injuring another.

Authorities say 53-year-old Thomas Benavidez died instantly when the massive ore hauler ran over the pickup truck at Asarco LLC’s Ray mine, near Florence.

Assistant state mine inspector Tim Evans says a second mechanic was cut from the crushed truck after the Sunday morning incident.

Evans says the pickup pulled in front of the ore hauler and the driver didn’t see the smaller truck.

Federal officials say it was the second mining industry death in Arizona this year and the 11th nationwide, excluding coal mines. Coal mines have lost 38 workers in the U.S. so far this year.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, www.azcentral.com