By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
FOX SA and other Texas media outlets are reporting investigators believe a freight train connected to the deaths of six people in Laredo may have originated in Del Rio before traveling through San Antonio and into South Texas.
According to FOX SA, investigators are now examining activity at Del Rio rail yards after train sensors reportedly indicated a boxcar door may have been opened in the area.
The six bodies were discovered inside a Union Pacific railcar in Laredo earlier this week, and investigators suspect extreme heat exposure played a major role in the deaths, according to the Texas Tribune, Reuters and other outlets.
Highs hovered around 90 degrees Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
FOX SA reported authorities are also investigating whether a seventh body found near railroad tracks in Bexar County could be connected to the same train.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told multiple media outlets investigators believe the train traveled through Del Rio before splitting in San Antonio, with portions continuing toward Houston and Laredo.
Val Verde County Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez told FOX SA security concerns around Del Rio rail yards have existed for years because of the area’s close proximity to the border.
News4SA also reported Thursday that a Del Rio woman has now been arrested in connection with the federal investigation tied to the deadly migrant train cases, though limited details had been released as of Thursday afternoon.
According to FOX SA, investigators are also exploring whether human smuggling activity may have been tied to the railcar involved in the case.
