2:23pm Friday 8th February 2008
By Robert Fisk
RESIDENTS have described the moment eight people, who are believed to be, illegal immigrants were pulled out of a tanker just metres from their homes.
The stowaways were discovered by the vehicle's driver when he checked his load on the way to Crossness Sewage Works, Belvedere Road, Abbey Wood.
Emergency services dragged them from the top of the tanker and they were taken to hospital suffering from the effects of gas emitted from the load.
A 100m cordon was put in place while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus investigated the contents of the tanker which were later declared safe and believed to be powdered charcoal.
Police say the eight people's injuries are not thought to be serious but when they were first got out Lorraine Johnson, of Sewell Road, Thamesmead, thought they were dead.
The 57-year-old said: "My workmen were looking up the road and I said what's going on and I thought somebody had smashed into the railings.
"I said what's going on and they said police had stopped that tanker then three other police cars turned up then the fire brigade turned up.
The carer said: "They opened the tanker up and they pulled out a body and then they pulled out eight or nine, laid them on the pavement and covered them up.
"I thought they were all dead.
"They were all black and all you could see was their heads and oxygen masks on them.
"The policeman said they were all from eastern Europe."
Abbey Akinoshun, 43, who lives in the road, said: "I came out of my house this morning and saw there was a helicopter out, an ambulance and fire trucks.
"I was told to go back in my house and they wouldn't let anybody leave."
Police are guarding the truck which is currently at the Crossness sewage works.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk