Truck with 39 bodies found near London
London, Oct. 23: British police said 39 bodies were found near London on Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria. Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London. Early indications suggest the victims are 38 adults and one teenager.
A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
“This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives,” Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was appalled and sent his sympathies to the victims’ families. “I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex,” he said. “I am receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones.”
The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park.
“We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process,” said Mariner.
“We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria,” said Mariner. “We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue.”