US President leads Gujarat bridge tragedy condolences

US President Joe Biden has expressed his deepest condolences to the victims of Gujarat's Morbi bridge collapse in which at least 134 people, including women and children, were killed and over 100 injured.

Taking to Twitter, Biden wrote, "Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the bridge collapse in India and join the people of Gujarat in mourning the loss of too many lives cut short.
In this difficult hour, we will continue to stand with and support the Indian people."

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said, "My heart goes out to the people of India today, as recovery efforts continue following yesterday's tragic bridge collapse. We're wishing a full recovery to the injured, and we're keeping the loved ones of the victims in our thoughts during this difficult time."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also sent her condolences to India and expressed solidarity with bereaved families.

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki expressed condolences to India.

"I am devastated with the tragedy in Gujarat. On behalf of the government of Poland. I am sending my deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi. We mourn all the victims and suffer together with their families and all the people of India," Morawiecki tweeted.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a message of condolence: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives due to the collapse of a suspension bridge in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Modi. On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured."

Egypt in a statement expressed its deep condolences and sympathy to the friendly country of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Kevadia will visit Morbi today.

Meanwhile, nine persons including officials of Oreva, the company that renovated the bridge, ticket sellers and security men have been arrested.

"We arrested nine people after filing FIR under various sections of IPC. The arrested includes the managers of Oreva company and ticket clerks. We have also formed a Special Investigation team pertaining to the incident," said Ashok Yadav, IG, Rajkot range.

(ANI)