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‘Stacked bodies’ of 46 people found dead in lorry with survivors ‘hot to the touch’
At least 46 people have died and 16 others have been taken to hospital after they were discovered in the back of a lorry in San Antonio, Texas, just 150 miles from the Mexico
“Teenagers and young adults” were among 46 people who died from extreme heat inside a lorry in Texas – in what appears to be one of the most deadly recent incidents of human smuggling along the US-Mexico border.
San Antonio Fire Department chief Charles Hood said that his crew found “stacks of bodies” inside the trailer.
He added that as well as the 46 dead, another 16 other people were taken to hospital for heat stroke and exhaustion, including four minors.
Survivors were said to be “hot to the touch” and suffering from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Outdoor temperatures reached 39.4C on Monday, as it is suspected the victims likely died from heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Officials also said three people were in custody following the incident.
Texas’s Republican Governor Greg Abbott wasted no time blaming US President Joe Biden for the deaths saying it was a “result of his deadly open border policies”.
The Mexican Foreign Secretary said two of those taken to hospital were from Guatemala. The nationalities of the other victims are not known at this time.
He tweeted: “The trailer had a US number plates supposedly so it can travel without revision. It is very probably owned by dealers.”
A vast number of ambulances, fire engines and other police vehicles are at the scene on Quintana Road.
Police could also be seen searching nearby woods apparently for other people.
The people inside the trailer died of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with no no air conditioning or water available for them, said San Antonio Fire Department Chief Hood.
“We’re not supposed to open up a truck and see stacks of bodies in there. None of us come to work imagining that,” said the fire chief.
He added the victims included “teenagers and young adults.”
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, said the investigation was now in the hands of the US federal authorities.
Mayor Nirenberg said: “It’s tragic. They had families and were likely trying to find a better life. It’s nothing short of a horrific, human tragedy.”
The number of dead may yet rise with a law enforcement source telling the San Antonio Express-News that “it’s probably close to 100 (people) in the truck,” and adding “about half of that” may be dead.
The bodies have been discovered inside an 18-wheel vehicle close to rail tracks in San Antonio were temperatures reached 40C on Monday.
Footage shows the backdoors of the white trailer open with many emergency vehicles by it and the road closed off to the public.
San Antonio is in the south of Texas, just 150 miles from the Mexican border.
A Catholic Charities official reportedly said they are trying to help the people who have survived.
Archbishop Gustavo tweeted: “There are about 46 migrants dead in San Antonio.
“Our prayers raised up to you O Lord for their souls. Lord have mercy on them. They hoped for a better life. Lord after Uvalde and now this, help us! We need you! So many people suffering. God, God, God.”
Edward Reyna, a security guard at a lumber yard nearby, says he’s not surprised to see the tragedy.
He said he’s lost count of the number of times he’s seen migrants jumping off the train that passes by his work.
Mr Reyna told the BBC: “I thought sooner or later somebody was going to get hurt.
“The cartels that bring them over don’t care about them.”
There have been cases of human smuggling in San Antonio which have had tragic consequences in the past.
Source: www.mirror.co.uk
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
