THURROCK came together yesterday (Sunday, 25 October) to remember the 39 Vietnamese who lost their lives seven years ago when attempting to enter the UK.

In the early hours of 23 October 2019, the Vietnamese men, women and children were found unresponsive in the trailer of a lorry in Eastern Avenue, Grays.

A memorial service took place at West Thurrock Memorial Park, Hilltop Road, to honour those whose bodies were discovered in a lorry in Eastern Avenue, West Thurrock, on 23 October 2019.

The annual commemoration provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on the lives lost, offer continued support to their families and loved ones, and remember a tragedy that deeply affected Thurrock and communities around the world.

Families of the victims were joined by Cllr Alan Benson, Deputy Leader of Thurrock, and Cllr Bill Cook, Mayor of Thurrock, as well as ward councillors Elena Pelin and Qaisar Abbas local faith, civic and community leaders at West Thurrock Memorial Park, where a permanent memorial and 39 trees honour those who lost their lives. The service, led by Father Simon Thang Duc Nguyen, included readings, a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths.

Cllr Cook said: "Seven years have passed since this terrible tragedy, but the memory of the 39 lives lost remains deeply felt here in Thurrock and far beyond.

"Each of those men, women and young people had hopes and aspirations for the future. As we come together to remember them, our thoughts remain with their families, friends and loved ones who continue to live with their loss.

"We also remember the extraordinary compassion shown by our emergency services, faith leaders, council staff, community organisations, and residents in the aftermath of the tragedy. Their kindness and care demonstrated the very best of our community at an immensely difficult time.

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"This memorial is not only a place of remembrance, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the dignity of every individual and support those who may be vulnerable or at risk.

"On behalf of Thurrock Council and our residents, I offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the 39 victims. They will never be forgotten."

The permanent memorial was unveiled in October 2022, alongside 39 trees, each representing one of the people who lost their lives.