53 Undocumented Individuals Found Deceased Inside 18-wheeler Semi-trailor In Southwest San Antonio, 16 Survivors Reported

Local San Antonio authorities say that at least 53 undocumented individuals were confirmed deceased and 16 survivors hospitalized for heat and dehydration related sickness.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 27, 2022

Updated

San Antonio, Texas - On Monday just before 6:00p.m., a 911 call was placed to law enforcement that a death had occurred at the intersection of Quintana Road and Cassin Road in San Antonio. When police arrived they found a deceased body outside of an 18-wheeler semi-trailer. When officers looked inside, they discovered at least 53 other deceased undocumented individuals (40 men & 13 women) and 16 surviving individuals that included 4 teens and the rest adults.

The 16 surviving undocumented individuals were hospitalized for heat and dehydration related sickness. It was 103° and extremely hot weather when the deceased were found.

The deceased country of origin, 22 from Mexico, 7 from Guatemala, 2 from Honduras and 22 have yet to be identified with origin of country. The death toll went from 46 to 53, according to the feds. 34 victims have been identified.

The local authorities turned over the investigation to the U.S. Department of Homeland investigators. 

Three unidentified people were arrested by police and authorities haven't confirmed, if they are connected to the tragic deaths.

Update: Hector Zamorano, 45, the driver who abandon the 18-wheel tractor-trailer with deceased undocumented individuals was taken into custody on Monday. Authorities say, Zamorano was high on methamphetamine and was hospitalized. Charges are pending against Zamorano.

Two other undocumented men from Mexico who over stayed their visas and remained living in San Antonio, Juan Claudio D'Luna-Mendez and Juan Francisco D'Luna-Bilbao were also taken into custody after they left their residence and charged with possession of firearms by an illegal alien. Both men were arrested after the registration of the tractor-trailer showed a residence where the two resided.

The tractor-trailer went through a border patrol check point, but it isn't clear, if the trailer was empty or had the undocumented individuals inside.