A tractor-trailer with 46 dead bodies inside has been found in San Antonio, Texas.
A further 16 others inside the trailer were taken to local hospitals, San Antonio police told KSAT Local News.
The news outlet reports that police suspect the truck was part of a human-trafficking ring smuggling people across the border to the United States.
Police told KSAT that those found inside the trailer had likely died from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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The truck did not have any air conditioning or water, as the temperature hit 39 degrees C outside.
San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood told the local TV station that victims include men, women, and teenagers.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg revealed the police investigation had now been handed over to federal agents.
"It’s tragic," he said. "They had families... and were likely trying to find a better life. It’s nothing short of a horrific, human tragedy."
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Emergency vehicles were spotted arriving at the scene at around 8pm on Monday (June 27).
The grim discovery comes weeks after US Border Patrol urged migrants not to try to cross the border through the desert as the summer heat skyrocketed.
"(We) highly discourage migrants from attempting to illegally enter the United States, especially during summer months," Border Patrol said on a statement.
"The recent triple-digit temperatures [in Fahrenheit] represent a dangerous condition that can easily end in dehydration or heatstroke, provoking death."
Rachel Lang