Bodies Of Covid-19 Victims Still Stored In Refrigerated Trucks In New York City

Last spring, the coronavirus pandemic overwhelmed New York City, leading to a tragic reality that many may not realize: as of now, some victims' bodies are still being stored in refrigerated trucks. This situation has persisted even as a year has passed since the height of the pandemic. The refrigerated trucks, which became a haunting symbol of the crisis, remain parked along the waterfront in Brooklyn, serving as makeshift morgues for those who succumbed to Covid-19.

Recently, the New York City Chief Medical Examiner revealed that approximately 750 victims' remains are still being kept in these refrigerated trailers. This shocking statistic underscores the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the city's health and emergency services, as officials grapple with the need to find proper resting places for the deceased.

During a recent meeting, officials expressed their commitment to reduce the number of bodies stored in these trailers soon. According to Dina Maniotis, the deputy commissioner of the medical examiner's office, many of the deceased may ultimately be buried on Hart Island, which has historically been a resting place for unclaimed and impoverished individuals. Hart Island stands as the largest mass grave in the United States, and it may soon receive a significant number of those who lost their lives to Covid-19.

Table of Contents

• Current Situation of Bodies in Refrigerated Trucks
• Burials on Hart Island
• Impact of Covid-19 on New York City

Current Situation of Bodies in Refrigerated Trucks

The tragic reality of refrigerated trucks still serving as morgues highlights the ongoing challenges faced by New York City during this pandemic. As the city continues to navigate the aftermath of Covid-19, the medical examiner's office is working diligently to manage the remains of individuals who passed away during the crisis.

These trailers, which were once a temporary solution during the peak of the pandemic, have become a long-term storage option for many victims. The Chief Medical Examiner has acknowledged the need to address this situation promptly, as families seek closure for their loved ones.

Burials on Hart Island

Hart Island has been a burial site for unclaimed individuals and those unable to afford proper burials for many years. The island is located off the Bronx coast and is largely closed to the public. However, it has historically served as a resting place for the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Officials have indicated that many of the individuals stored in refrigerated trailers may eventually be buried on Hart Island. The process of transferring remains to the island is designed to be handled with sensitivity and respect for the families involved.

Impact of Covid-19 on New York City

The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly affected New York City, leading to a drastic increase in the number of deaths and overwhelming local health services. The medical examiner’s office has reported that their capacity was exceeded during the peak of the pandemic, handling up to 200 bodies per day compared to their usual capacity of 20.

The use of refrigerated trucks as temporary morgues has become an iconic image of the pandemic's severity. As the city works to address the needs of grieving families, the ongoing situation serves as a sobering reminder of the pandemic's toll on lives and communities.