Forty-eight people are now dead after being abandoned in a tractor-trailer in the scorching Texas heat, according to several sources who cover the border. The incident is one of the worst tragedies to claim the lives of migrants smuggled across the border from Mexico to the U.S.

Sixteen people were initially hospitalized, including four children.

San Antonio police chief William McManus said three people were in custody following a preliminary investigation but declined to give further details.

The Police Chief said a worker nearby heard a cry for help around 5 pm Texas time (8 am AEST) 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.
Hood said a body was found outside the truck and the remainder were found inside the trailer.

According to Twitter Account Royal Intel, there were over 100 people in the truck.

Senator Ted Cruz weighed in on social media asking “How many more people have to die before Dems give a damn?”