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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
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
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Focus on more pressing issues like Galamsey, not hate speech – Ellen Ama Daaku to Mahama
An aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,Ellen Ama Daaku has advised President John Dramani Mahama to shift his attention from social media hate speech to more urgent national issues such as illegal mining.
Speaking in an interview, she noted that the President’s recent comments about tracking the IP addresses of people who spread hate speech were unnecessary.
According to her, President Mahama must first define what he considers to be hate speech before seeking to punish people for it.
Ms. Daaku argued that the President himself had benefitted from hate speech and social media attacks in the past when he was in opposition.
She said even during his time in government, he described his opponents and their tribesmen in unpalatable terms, which later drew complaints from former President Nana Akufo-Addo to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
She stressed that harsh criticism of leaders on social media should not automatically be considered hate speech, adding that former leaders, including former President Nana Akufo-Addo had all been subjected to it.
“He is only feeling what Nana Akufo-Addo went through for eight years,” she remarked.
While acknowledging the need to regulate misconduct online, Ms. Daaku insisted that going after social media activists should not be a priority.
She noted that many political activists, including herself, had been insulted and attacked online but never called for arrests.
She concluded that President Mahama should focus his energy on solving pressing problems such as galamsey and the economy instead of concentrating on critics on social media.
By: Jacob Aggrey
