Hot!
‘Stacked bodies’ of 46 people found dead in lorry with survivors ‘hot to the touch’
At least 46 people have died and 16 others have been taken to hospital after they were discovered in the back of a lorry in San Antonio, Texas, just 150 miles from the Mexico
“Teenagers and young adults” were among 46 people who died from extreme heat inside a lorry in Texas – in what appears to be one of the most deadly recent incidents of human smuggling along the US-Mexico border.
San Antonio Fire Department chief Charles Hood said that his crew found “stacks of bodies” inside the trailer.
He added that as well as the 46 dead, another 16 other people were taken to hospital for heat stroke and exhaustion, including four minors.
Survivors were said to be “hot to the touch” and suffering from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Outdoor temperatures reached 39.4C on Monday, as it is suspected the victims likely died from heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Officials also said three people were in custody following the incident.
Texas’s Republican Governor Greg Abbott wasted no time blaming US President Joe Biden for the deaths saying it was a “result of his deadly open border policies”.
The Mexican Foreign Secretary said two of those taken to hospital were from Guatemala. The nationalities of the other victims are not known at this time.
He tweeted: “The trailer had a US number plates supposedly so it can travel without revision. It is very probably owned by dealers.”
A vast number of ambulances, fire engines and other police vehicles are at the scene on Quintana Road.
Police could also be seen searching nearby woods apparently for other people.
The people inside the trailer died of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with no no air conditioning or water available for them, said San Antonio Fire Department Chief Hood.
“We’re not supposed to open up a truck and see stacks of bodies in there. None of us come to work imagining that,” said the fire chief.
He added the victims included “teenagers and young adults.”
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, said the investigation was now in the hands of the US federal authorities.
Mayor Nirenberg said: “It’s tragic. They had families and were likely trying to find a better life. It’s nothing short of a horrific, human tragedy.”
The number of dead may yet rise with a law enforcement source telling the San Antonio Express-News that “it’s probably close to 100 (people) in the truck,” and adding “about half of that” may be dead.
The bodies have been discovered inside an 18-wheel vehicle close to rail tracks in San Antonio were temperatures reached 40C on Monday.
Footage shows the backdoors of the white trailer open with many emergency vehicles by it and the road closed off to the public.
San Antonio is in the south of Texas, just 150 miles from the Mexican border.
A Catholic Charities official reportedly said they are trying to help the people who have survived.
Archbishop Gustavo tweeted: “There are about 46 migrants dead in San Antonio.
“Our prayers raised up to you O Lord for their souls. Lord have mercy on them. They hoped for a better life. Lord after Uvalde and now this, help us! We need you! So many people suffering. God, God, God.”
Edward Reyna, a security guard at a lumber yard nearby, says he’s not surprised to see the tragedy.
He said he’s lost count of the number of times he’s seen migrants jumping off the train that passes by his work.
Mr Reyna told the BBC: “I thought sooner or later somebody was going to get hurt.
“The cartels that bring them over don’t care about them.”
There have been cases of human smuggling in San Antonio which have had tragic consequences in the past.
Source: www.mirror.co.uk
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
Hot!
Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
