Tragedy in Texas: 3 people in custody after 46 migrants found dead inside truck
Three people have been taken into custody in Texas after the bodies of 46 migrants were found dead in a truck.
Authorities are continuing to work at the scene in San Antonio's south-west where the vehicle was found with the 46 people dead inside, according to Fire Chief Charles Hood.
Sixteen people, including 12 adults and four children, were found alive and have been rushed to hospital.
Chief Hood added that the survivors were all suffering heat-related injuries.
Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard confirmed two of the survivors were from Guatemala.
The truck was found next to railway track in a remote area of San Antonio, as Ebrard confirmed the vehicle had EU number plates designed to circulate without inspection.
"Very likely the responsibility of traffickers," he said.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said a worker nearby heard a cry for help around 5pm Texas time and went to investigate.
"(They) found a trailer with the doors partially open and opened them up to take a look and found a number of deceased individuals inside," McManus said.
Chief Hood said one body was discovered outside the truck, with the remainder of the deceased people being found inside the trailer.
McManus said three people have been taken into custody however it is not clear whether they are "absolutely connected or not".
He also added the tragedy is now a federal investigation as police officials work to determine an official cause of death.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg called it a "horrific human tragedy".
"We hope those who are responsible for putting these people in such inhumane conditions are prosecuted to the full extent of the law," he said.
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