New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Joe Biden and several other heads of state sent condolence messages about the deadly bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi city which claimed 135 lives.
Xi sent condolence messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he was shocked to learn about the collapse.
“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi extended deep condolences over the deaths and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured,” the message added.
On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Modi.
Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi also sent a condolence message to his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar over the bridge collapse. Wang extended deep condolences over the deaths and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.
The more than a-century-old bridge, which had reopened five days back after extensive repairs and renovation, was crammed with people when it collapsed on Sunday evening.
As many as 135 people have been killed in the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy and 170 others were rescued.
In a statement, US President Biden said,”Today, our hearts are with India. Jill [Biden, the first lady] and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the bridge collapse, and join the people of Gujarat in mourning the loss of too many lives cut short.”
“The United States and India are indispensable partners, with deep bonds between our citizens. In this difficult hour, we will continue to stand with and support the Indian people,” the statement said.
In a message to Indian President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi which was published on the Kremlin website, Putin said, “Dear Ms President, dear Mr Prime Minister, please accept my heartfelt condolences over the tragic bridge collapse in the state of Gujarat.”
Putin also conveyed his words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, and wished all those injured a speedy recovery, the state-run TASS news agency reported.
In his condolence message, Israeli Prime Minister Lapid said that the thoughts and prayers of all Israelis are with the people of India following the devastating bridge collapse in Gujarat. “I send my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and my wishes for a swift recovery to the wounded,” he tweeted.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he is “shocked and saddened” by the tragic bridge collapse incident, according to a press release issued by the president’s office.
“The government and people of Sri Lanka join me in extending deepest condolences to you, the government and people of India especially the families of the citizens who lost their lives. May the injured have a speedy recovery and wish every success in the rescue and recovery operations underway,” the president said.
Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said he is deeply saddened by the tragic incident.
“We extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India on the loss of precious lives. Our thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families,” he tweeted.
Underlining that Gujarat “has a special place in Polish-Indian relations”, Polish foreign minister Zbigniew Rau in a tweet extended “deep and sincere condolences to the Nation of India for the tragedy”. During World War II, Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the king of Jamnagar in Gujarat, helped save 1,000 Polish Children by giving them food and shelter.
“Even before we could comprehend the South Korea tragedy, news of the Gujarat bridge collapse hit us. People of Bhutan & I pray the situation is less dampening than what we hear. My heartfelt prayers to @narendramodi & India. Wishing strength and endurance to all. We grieve with you!” Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured.
The Gujarat government has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Police have registered an FIR on charges of culpable homicide against agencies given the task of maintenance and operation of the bridge. Four persons were arrested on Monday in connection with the collapse of the cable suspension bridge, police said.
(With PTI inputs)