46 PEOPLE FOUND DEAD IN A TRACTOR-TRAILER NEAR SAN ANTONIO

  

Authorities are investigating the deaths of 46 people, who were found abandoned last (Monday) night in a tractor-trailer on a remote back road in San Antonio.

According to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, a city worker heard a cry for help from the truck shortly before 6pm, and discovered the gruesome scene.

It is believed that the occupants of the trailer were being smuggled across the border from Mexico to the U.S.  McManus added that they don’t know how long the trailer had been abandoned on the side of the road.

Officers found a body on the ground outside the trailer and a partially opened gate to the trailer.  Three people were taken into custody, but it is unclear if they were involved in human trafficking.

In addition to the 46 deceased, another 16 people were hospitalized, this included 12 adults and four children, for severe dehydration.

San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said there was no working air conditioner on the truck, and no water either.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, “This is nothing short of a horrific human tragedy.”