Tucson Region

Crash in Sahuarita kills man, hurts 3 kids

A tractor-trailer crane used in large construction projects struck a Dodge Ram pickup Monday evening in Sahuarita, killing the driver and injuring three child passengers, Rural/ Metro Fire Department spokesman said Monday. The truck driver, whose identity has not been released, appeared to run a stop sign at Santa Rita and East Sahuarita roads at about 5 p.m., said Battalion Chief Rick Flores. The tractor was traveling northbound on East Sahuarita Road and struck the pickup on the driver's side door, killing the driver instantly, Flores said. Three children, ages 7, 9 and 12, were in the front seat of the vehicle and were critically injured, Flores said. They were not wearing restraints. Speed does not appear to have been a factor, and no citations have been issued while Sahuarita Police Department and the Pima County Sheriff's Department investigations continue, Flores said. The children were taken to University Medical Center, where they remain in critical condition, Flores said.