Suspected Human-Trafficking Crime Leaves Eight Dead in Texas
July 23 2017 - 9:33AM
Dow Jones News
By Scott Calvert
Authorities in San Antonio found eight people dead in a hot
tractor-trailer early Sunday, in what the police chief called a
"horrific" human-trafficking crime.
Twenty others who also were in the trailer were taken to area
hospitals, some by helicopter, in very serious or extremely
critical condition, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said at a
news conference. Another eight individuals were treated for less
serious dehydration, he said. Paramedics reported that people had
high heart rates and were hot to the touch, suffering from heat
stroke and dehydration, he said.
The trailer's nearly 40 occupants included at least two
school-age children, along with adults who appeared to be in their
20s and 30s, he said. "The truck was loaded with people," he
said.
"We're looking at a human trafficking crime here," San Antonio
Police Chief William McManus said.
The driver of the truck, parked outside a Wal-Mart store, is in
custody, he said. Late Saturday, a Wal-Mart employee was approached
by someone asking for water, he said. The employee brought water to
the truck and then called police.
The trailer wasn't air-conditioned and rescuers saw no sign
occupants had access to water, Mr. Hood said.
The Wal-Mart's surveillance camera shows that a number of
vehicles had earlier arrived to pick up some of the people who were
in the trailer and survived the trip, Mr. McManus said.
He said authorities didn't yet know where the truck began its
journey and that the Department of Homeland Security is aiding the
investigation. The truck's driver, whom he didn't identify, and
anyone else found to be involved would face state and federal
charges, he said, while the individuals in the trailer will be
investigated by immigration authorities.
"This is not an isolated incident; this happens quite
frequently," Mr. McManus said, referring to human trafficking. "It
happens late at night, under darkness."
Write to Scott Calvert at scott.calvert@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 23, 2017 09:18 ET (13:18 GMT)
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