Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered condolences from the United States for the victims and families affected by the deadly bridge collapse in India Oct. 30.
The Morbi Suspension Bridge that crosses the Machchhu River in the town of Morbi collapsed, according to KCRA. At least 135 people died in the collapse of the bridge, including 30 children. Authorities are unsure of how many people remain missing. Recovery is still ongoing.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic collapse of a suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat,” Blinken said in an Oct. 31 post on Twitter. “Our hearts are with the people of India, and we extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The United States stands with our Indian partners during this difficult time.”
The bridge was a tourist attraction and had been closed since April for maintenance, reopening again Oct. 26. Oreva, the company that oversaw the repairs, is now under investigation, according to KCRA. Nine associates of Oreva have been arrested so far for homicide charges.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site of the collapse Nov. 1, KCRA reported.
“Went to Morbi, which witnessed the horrific bridge mishap. Met the bereaved families and extended condolences. I visited the site of the tragedy and went to the hospital where the injured are recovering," Modi said on Twitter, according to KCRA.
The prime minister is also offering families of the victims compensation through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, KCRA reported.
