Texas migrant tragedy: Death toll of migrants inside lorry in San Antonio rises to 50

San Antonio: The death toll of migrants found on Monday inside an abandoned lorry in San Antonio in the south-central US state of Texas climbed to 50. According to reports, 46 bodies were recovered from the lorry on Monday, while 16 more people were taken to various hospitals in the area. Four more people died during treatment.

The incident appeared to be one of the deadliest migrant-smuggling operations in recent times in US history. San Antonio is located 250 km from the US-Mexico border. Out of the total deceased, 22 were Mexican nationals. According to Mexican authorities, seven were from Guatemala, two were from Honduras. However remaining people are yet to be identified.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday expressed grief over the tragedy. Biden described the Texas migrant deaths as horrifying. "The tragic loss of life in San Antonio, Texas that took place yesterday is horrifying and heartbreaking. Our prayers are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones, as well as those still fighting for their lives. As always, I am grateful for the swift work of all of the Federal, state, and local first responders," reported ANI quoting Biden as saying.

An investigation has been initiated into the matter. As per the US president, there is a need to go after the multi-billion dollar criminal smuggling industry preying on migrants. On Monday, San Antonio police received a call from a person who saw bodies inside the trailer.

The US Department of Homeland Security is leading the investigation into the alleged human smuggling incident. Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott blamed Biden for the tragedy. He said that the incident took place due to the Biden administration's open border policies.