British authorities: 39 dead in truck likely from China

LONDON — Thirty-nine people found dead in a refrigerated truck in southeastern England were believed to be Chinese citizens, police said Thursday, shedding new light on what appeared to be the latest case of human trafficking gone tragically wrong.

Eight of the dead are women and 31 are men, according to a statement from police in Essex. They said each body would undergo a coroner’s examination to identify the victim and establish the cause of death, a process that would take time.

“Our work continues today, and for the foreseeable future, to be focused on providing the victims and their loved ones with an investigation that is filled with dignity, compassion and respect for those who have died,” the statement said.

The tragedy bears similarities to a case in 2000 in which 58 Chinese migrants were found dead, also in a refrigerated truck, in Dover, Britain’s busiest port. Then, as now, the container had been shipped across the English Channel from Zeebrugge, Belgium.

In the 2000 case, men and women suffocated in sweltering heat after the truck’s refrigeration system was turned off and a vent closed. Amazingly, two men survived. A Dutch driver was eventually sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement.

The driver of the truck found Wednesday, a 25year-old man from Northern

Ireland, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Information about him began to emerge Thursday, when he was identified by elected officials and the British news media as Morris Robinson, who also went by the name Mo.

Paul Berry, a member of the Northern Ireland assembly, confirmed the driver’s identity Thursday and said he had spoken with his family shortly after the arrest.

“Something like this which has been thrust upon them at this stage is obviously very devastating for them,” Berry said.

But he also added that the thoughts of those in the community were focused on “the families of the 39 victims who have tragically lost their lives.”