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Eight human bodies, including one decomposing, were found at an unauthorized Freeport premises, prompting a multi-agency investigation Thursday.
Eight human bodies were discovered Thursday inside a refrigerated unit at an unauthorized premises in Freeport, Trinidad and Tobago. Authorities are investigating how the remains came to be stored there and whether legal requirements were breached.
FREEPORT, Trinidad and Tobago — Eight human bodies were discovered Thursday inside a refrigerated unit at an unauthorized premises off Jaisrie Street in Freeport, prompting a multi-agency investigation into the storage and handling of the remains.
The discovery was made during an inspection involving government authorities after information was received about the improper storage of human remains at the location. One of the bodies was reportedly in an apparent state of decomposition, according to the Trinidad Express.
Authorities determined that the building was not approved for the storage of human remains. The bodies were expected to be removed from the premises and transferred to a licensed facility, according to information reported by local media.
The circumstances surrounding the identities of the deceased and how they came to be at the location were not immediately clear. Authorities were also examining whether the operator had the required authorization and whether regulations governing the handling and storage of human remains had been followed.
The discovery comes as authorities separately investigate another case involving human remains in Central Trinidad. The Trinidad Guardian reported that seven human cadavers were found Thursday inside a refrigeration unit at a compound off the Uriah Butler Highway, south of Courts and near Conex Readymix Ltd. Police said that investigation is focused on identifying the deceased, determining how the bodies came to the location and establishing whether applicable laws and regulations were followed.
The two discoveries were reported in different locations and should not be treated as part of the same incident unless authorities establish a connection. Police and other agencies are continuing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the storage of the remains.