PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AFP) – In a harrowing incident on Monday, Czech police found approximately 30 migrants concealed in a semi-trailer on a motorway connecting Prague to the southern German city of Dresden. Tragically, one of the migrants was found deceased.
The discovery prompted a significant police operation, which included the deployment of a helicopter to track and detain several migrants who absconded from the truck, which carried foreign license plates. The police halted the vehicle after 1800 GMT and promptly closed the D8 motorway, approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) north of Prague, to manage the situation.
“All these persons have been detained,” the police confirmed on X (formerly Twitter), ensuring the public that no individuals had successfully evaded custody. The migrants appeared to be en route through the Czech Republic to another destination. Initial reports from the scene indicated the presence of one deceased individual.
On-site private emergency services reported treating an unconscious woman, approximately 30 years old. Despite resuscitation efforts lasting numerous minutes, a doctor ultimately declared her deceased. The other migrants, although not requiring hospital treatment, were reported to be in poor health conditions by the emergency service.
The Czech Republic, with a population of 10.9 million and a member of both the EU and NATO, often serves as a transit country for migrants journeying to more affluent European nations like Germany.
This incident underscores the perilous conditions many migrants face as they seek better lives, and it brings to light the urgent need for robust humanitarian responses and legal pathways for migration.
