A finding inside a freight train at the southern border of Texas keeps an official investigation open after six people were found dead in a car in the city of Laredo.

The event occurred on Sunday at a railway station located in this border city, about 160 miles south of San Antonio, where operational personnel detected the situation during a routine inspection of a Union Pacific train.

Initial report activated train inspection

According to the Laredo Police Department, the initial alert came around 3:00 in the afternoon when a railroad depot employee reported a possible irregularity in one of the cars.

Minutes later, during the inspection, the bodies were located inside the freight car, according to reports cited by local authorities.

Police spokesman Joe Baeza pointed out that the investigation has just begun and that for now there are conclusive elements about what happened.

Authorities confirm joint investigation

The case was under review by the Laredo Police Department in coordination with the National Security Investigations Office and the Texas Rangers, as confirmed by federal and local authorities.

The Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) indicated that the case is being attended by local and state authorities, while the diligences continue to clarify what happened.

Identity of the victims not yet known

Until now, the identity of the six deceased people nor their immigration situation or age have not been reported, according to the spokesperson of the Laredo Police Department, José Espinoza.

The authorities pointed out that this data is part of the investigation in progress and that there is still no confirmed information about the origin of the victims.

Union Pacific collaborates with the authorities

The railroad company Union Pacific, which operates freight routes in the United States and Mexico, confirmed that it is collaborating with the authorities in the investigation of the case.

The company expressed its regret for what happened, although has not issued additional details about the conditions in which the car was found.

Research in an phase

Local authorities have reiterated that the case is in an early stage and that the causes of the deaths have not yet been determined.

Joe Baeza noted that for the moment it is not possible to offer conclusions, while investigation works continue at the Laredo railway station.

The finding has mobilized different agencies while they seek to clarify what happened inside the freight car where the six lifeless people were found.