8 found dead inside tractor-trailer discovered in Walmart parking lot

Vuz Updated: 4:25 AM EDT Jul 23, 2017
Dylan Hyman

Authorities in Texas are investigating after eight people were discovered dead in the back of a tractor-trailer in San Antonio.

Police Chief William McManus said a Walmart employee called authorities late Saturday night when a person from inside the truck walked into the store to ask for water.

"He was approached by someone from that truck, who was asking for water. Came back with a water, called the police and we arrived on scene and found eight people dead in the back of that trailer," McManus said at a news conference.

When police opened the trailer, 38 people were discovered inside the back of the non-air-conditioned trailer.

Eight people inside the trailer were pronounced dead at the scene. 20 others have been hospitalized in 'extremely critical' or 'very serious' condition, according to San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood. The remaining 10 people are being treated for less severe injuries. Two school-aged children were among the people inside the trailer. The others are in their twenties and thirties, police said.

The driver of the truck, who has not been identified, is in custody. Chief McManus said the driver is expected to face both state and federal charges.

McManus said store surveillance video showed a number of vehicles picked up several people from inside the trailer before authorities arrived on scene.

"We're looking at a human-trafficking crime here," McManus said. "Homicide will work to determine the origin of this horrific tragedy."

The Department of Homeland Security is assisting in the investigation.

http://www.wcvb.com/article/tractor-...g-lot/10346724