Investigation launched after 39 bodies discovered inside semi trailer

39 bodies were discovered inside a semi truck stopped near an industrial park early Wednesday morning. 

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, October 23rd in Essex, southeast England. 

According to The Washington Post, the bodies were found in the trailer of a semi truck parked on the side of the road near Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays, Essex. An ambulance was called to the site, but all 39 people, 38 adults and 1 teenager, were pronounced dead on the scene.

Police say the truck originated in Ireland, but came to England from Zeebrugge, Belgium, entering the country through the port at Purfleet near Grays, Essex. 

“This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives,” said Chief Superintendent of Essex Police Andrew Mariner in a statement. 

The nationalities of the bodies discovered in the truck are still unclear, but officials say identifying them is their “number one priority.” 

Police are launching a murder investigation and have already arrested the 25-year-old unnamed truck driver from Northern Ireland on suspicion of murder. 

“We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our inquiries continue,” Mariner said, ABC Reports.