Crash involving illegal immigrants leaves 1 dead

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Lupita Murillo - View Bio

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PIMA COUNTY, AZ: A crash on the Tohono O'odham Nation killed one illegal immigrant and seriously injured three others.

U.S. Border Patrol officials say at least 12 suspected illegal immigrants were riding in a pick-up truck. Around 5:40 a.m. Friday morning, the truck was spotted speeding away from agents. It then hit a power pole near Pima Mine Road and Mission Road.

Investigators say the driver was going at least 80 miles an hour when he struck the pole. One woman died at the scene. Agents went to work to try to help the rest of people in the truck.

Omar Candelaria, U.S. Border Patrol Spokesman, said, "Agents immediately starting providing first aid to the vehicle occupants and started to call for medical assistance and back up."

News 4 has learned there were at least 9 people stuffed into the cab of the truck. More were in the pick-up bed but just how many more isn't clear at this time. U.S. Border Patrol agents could only locate 12 people total after the crash.

"It's a sad situation when a driver makes that decision to flee without considering the lives and the people they are transporting," said Candelaria.

The driver is expected to face 1st degree murder charges.

Tucson Electric Power crews were called out to restore power to five customers in the area.