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18 Human Cargo Deaths in Texas

Wednesday, May 14, 2003
(5:11 PM ET) (21:11 GMT)
By Terry Frieden
Cable News Network Staff

Three women and six men, ages 15 to 29, were taken to Citizens Medical Center suffering from heat exhaustion and suffocation injuries, according to hospital spokeswoman Melissa Purl. Seven remain hospitalized, one in intensive care. Another person was treated and released to authorities, Purl said. "They were in there at least a day and a half," Purl told CNN. "They all have stories to tell and they're very thankful to be alive."

VICTORIA, Texas -- CNN
Eighteen suspected illegal immigrants died early Wednesday in Texas after being smuggled from Mexico in the back of a crowded 18-wheel truck, authorities said.

Thirteen bodies were found inside the trailer at a truck stop in Victoria and another four were found on the ground nearby, Victoria County Sheriff Michael Ratcliff said.

Another person died after arriving at Citizens Medical Center in full cardiac arrest, a hospital spokeswoman said.

As many as 70 people were in the back of the truck, and about 40 of them fled into the brush when they were discovered at a Speedy Stop truck stop early Wednesday morning, according to an official with the Department of Homeland Security.

The sheriff said his officers had captured at least 19 of those who fled.

Another 15 people were treated at hospitals.
(More: CNN.com)
2003 © Cable News Network LP, LLLP.

Dan