Driver of truck where 53 migrants died was allegedly 'high on methamphetamine'

The driver of the truck in which 53 migrants were found dead could face the death penalty for allegedly leaving them to die in the sweltering heat of San Antonio, Texas.

Homero Zamorano Jr., 45, was allegedly found "high on methamphetamine" and posed as one of the survivors to avoid being caught, police said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

Zamorano was charged with one count of alien smuggling resulting in death, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said.

Christian Martinez, 28, was also arrested in connection with the case and is charged with conspiracy to illegally transport aliens resulting in death. He could also face the death penalty if convicted.

Two other accomplices, Juan Claudio D'Luna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco D'Luna-Bilbao, 48, were charged with possessing a weapon by an alien illegally in the United States.

Martinez was arrested in East Texas and will be transported to San Antonio, while the other two men were arrested at an address in San Antonio where the truck was registered.

The four remained in custody as the investigation into one of the deadliest smuggling incidents ever recorded at the U.S.-Mexico border progresses.

Death toll on the rise

The number of migrants killed inside the truck rose to 53 with the additional death of two people on Wednesday, reported U.S. immigration services cited by Infobae.

Eleven other individuals remain hospitalized. Their condition is unknown.

The truck was found near a railroad track in southwest San Antonio, about 250 km from the U.S.-Mexico border. Several emergency crews, including firefighters, police and ambulances, arrived at the scene after receiving a call on Monday afternoon.

San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said the people died of exhaustion and overheating inside the truck, which had no air conditioning. The victims were "hot to the touch," he added.