SAN ANTONIO – Multiple people were found dead early Sunday inside a semi-trailer in the parking lot of a San Antonio Walmart.
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According to KENS, bodies of at least eight people, including two children, were found in the trailer. Twenty-eight other people were taken to area hospitals – 20 with life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Police responded to the scene when a Walmart employee called for a welfare check. The driver of the truck had approached and asked for water.
Update 5:22a – SAPD in Walmart parking lot in SW San Antonio where 8 bodies were found inside a trailer, 2 were kids. @KENS5 pic.twitter.com/33QikcelDM
— Jack Acosta (@JackAcostaKENS5) July 23, 2017
Breaking 252am – SAPD & SAFD update outside Walmart in SW San Antonio after 8 bodies found inside trailer. @KENS5 pic.twitter.com/MMYLBZf72Z
— Jack Acosta (@JackAcostaKENS5) July 23, 2017
San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said the trailer was not air-conditioned, and many of those injured appeared to be suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, KENS reported.
.@SATXFire Chief Hood says no A/C in 18-wheeler. 28 transported… many with heat stroke/dehydration issues. #kens5eyewitness
— Luke Simons (@LukeKENS5) July 23, 2017
The driver of the vehicle is reportedly in police custody.
.@SATXPolice says one person (driver) in custody after finding people inside trailer. Still investigating where the 18-wheeler came from.
— Luke Simons (@LukeKENS5) July 23, 2017
Authorities called the incident a possible human-trafficking crime.
MORE:@DHSgov involved in this case.
A "human trafficking crime," SAPD Chief says.
Unknown where truck came from.@KENS5 #kens5eyewitness— Dan Roche (@danrocheca) July 23, 2017
Breaking 2:28am – SAFD confirms multiple bodies found inside a trailer parked outside a Walmart in SW San Antonio. @KENS5 pic.twitter.com/Av8JviQt9f
— Jack Acosta (@JackAcostaKENS5) July 23, 2017