Smuggler truck in Texas: 39 migrants rescued from burning trailer

During a border check in Texas, a truck driver fled. After a chase, the tractor caught fire. Police rescued 39 migrants from the locked trailer.

Smuggler truck in Texas: 39 migrants rescued from burning trailer

During a routine inspection at a border crossing in Texas, a truck burst into flames. The locked trailer contained 39 people who were apparently being smuggled illegally into the USA. BILD reported on this.

The incident occurred last Thursday in Falfurrias, about 130 kilometers north of the Mexican border. A detection dog from the US border authority had signaled during the inspection. When officers tried to open the trailer, the driver hit the gas and fled.

Several police vehicles chased the truck. Even a spike strip that damaged the tires did not stop the man. Only when the tractor suddenly caught fire was he forced to stop.

Within seconds, the flames spread. Border agents and police acted quickly. They pulled the driver and a passenger from the burning cab and arrested them. Then they broke the lock on the trailer and opened the doors. Videos show how rescue workers pulled the 39 migrants from the trailer before it too was engulfed in flames.

According to authorities, there were no injuries. The origin of the migrants and the identity of the driver and passenger were initially unclear.

Source: BILD