HORRIFIC

Death Toll in Overheated Texas Trailer Rises to Nine

Police are investigating the case as human trafficking.

Eight people were found dead inside an overheated trailer at a Walmart parking lot in San Antonio, and a ninth victim later died, according to police. The incident is being investigated as a human trafficking case. At least 17 others were treated for life-threatening injuries, and 38 individuals in total were inside the 18-wheeler trailer when police arrived. Authorities said they believed at least 100 people had been packed into the trailer earlier in the journey, but many had likely escaped. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus called the incident a “horrific tragedy.” Victims were treated for heat stroke and dehydration, according to fire department chief Charles Hood. McManus said the driver of the trailer was in custody, adding “this is not an isolated incident.”