Early Sunday morning, eight people were found dead inside an 18-wheeler trailer that was parked at a Walmart in San Antonio, Texas. It’s believed that they were illegal immigrants and the victims of human trafficking. Authorities found dozens of more people inside the truck, who were miraculously still alive despite being forced to endure absolutely hellacious conditions.
Here’s CNBC with more details on this terrible news.
Another 30 people, many suffering from heat stoke and exhaustion, were with the bodies in the trailer, which lacked air conditioning or a water supply, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said.
The truck’s driver was arrested and will be charged, said Richard Durbin, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, and prosecutors will work to identify others responsible.
“These people were helpless in the hands of their transporters,” Durbin said in a statement, adding the heat in southern Texas is “punishing” at this time of year.
“Imagine their suffering, trapped in a stifling trailer in 100-plus degree heat,” he said. They were victims of “ruthless human smugglers indifferent to the well-being of their fragile cargo,” he added.
CNBC also reports that 20 people were airlifted to hospitals with critical to very critical conditions, while eight people were hospitalized with less serious injuries. Human trafficking is one of the sickest crimes imaginable, and let’s pray that everyone responsible for this tragedy is found and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
