French medical teams treated a group of Eritrean migrants for hypothermia on Saturday after they were discovered stowed away in a refrigerated lorry bound for the United Kingdom, officials told AFP.

Discovery and Rescue

The driver of the lorry, transporting frozen vegetables, heard cries for help from the migrants while stopping at a motorway rest area in northern France, according to Christian Vedelago, head of the Pas-de-Calais prefecture’s office.

Condition of Migrants and Aftercare

The group’s condition suggested they had been inside the refrigerated container for several hours, said Vedelago.

“Their state of hypothermia suggests that they had been there for several hours,” he explained.

Among the migrants, four were hospitalised due to the severity of their condition, while another four were identified as minors and transferred to the care of a charitable association. The group also included one woman.

Legal Status and Investigation

Several of those rescued had previously received official orders requiring them to leave France.

The Moroccan driver was not subject to any investigation, Vedelago confirmed, emphasising that he was not implicated in the incident.

Ongoing Migrant Challenges at Border Crossings

Despite extensive security measures at northern French ports—where ferries depart for Britain—and at the Channel Tunnel, migrants continue to attempt to board lorries bound for the UK. Although crossing by small boats has become the preferred route for many, attempts to stow away in freight vehicles persist.

Summary Table: Incident Overview

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrants seeking passage to the UK and the persistent risks they endure in stowing away on freight vehicles.