http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2012/12/30/newsbrief-03
26 Somali, Eritrean migrants found dead in Libya
December 30, 2012
At least 23 Somali and three Eritrean migrants died in an overturned truck
accident in Libya, Kenya's Africa Review reported Saturday (December 29th).
The migrants were reportedly heading to Tripoli with the ultimate goal of
reaching Europe by sea, when the truck they were being smuggled in went off
road to avoid checkpoints.
Trucks carrying illegal migrants often use roads without checkpoints, which
are less safe, Somali Ambassador to Libya Abdigani Mohamed Wa'ays said. The
truck was carrying about 120 migrants, mostly Somalis, he said.
Fifty-eight of the surviving migrants are being held in Libyan jail, while
the injured passengers are receiving treatment in hospital, Wa'ays said.
Initial reports indicate the truck was also carrying cement. Shabelle Media
Network correspondent in Tripoli Mohamed Abdi Nahar said human traffickers
have started smuggling migrants under a cement cover, increasing the chance
of casualties in the event of an accident.
"Since the police noticed the use of grass as a cover, smugglers turned to
hiding the people being smuggled under a ceiling of cement and other
goods," he said.
Received on Mon Dec 31 2012 - 23:14:56 EST
