LAREDO, Texas \u2014 Six people were found dead inside a cargo train boxcar at a Union Pacific rail yard near the Mexico border in Laredo, Texas, police said.<\/p>\n
The people were found Sunday as workers were inspecting one of the cars, said Jose Baeza, a spokesperson for the Laredo Police Department. They did not appear to be alive, he said.<\/p>\n
Police and fire crews arrived at the scene shortly afterward. They confirmed that there were six people dead, five men and one woman, Baeza told reporters. They were not named.<\/p>\n
Baeza said autopsies would be done. He did not immediately respond to a text requesting information Monday.<\/p>\n
The cargo car’s travel history was not known.<\/p>\n
“Union Pacific is saddened by this incident and is working closely with law enforcement to investigate,” the rail company said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Laredo is a busy land port of entry for trade on the U.S.-Mexico border and a common nexus for the illegal movement of people, although authorities have not said whether the six deaths were related to a smuggling operation.<\/p>\n