By Gabriela Baron
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sent on Saturday, Nov. 12, a message of condolences to the families of the victims of a deadly bridge collapse in Gujarat, Western India.
“At the outset allow me to add our condolences on behalf of the Filipino people for the tragic loss of life and injury from the bridge collapse that you recently suffered,” the President said during the 19th ASEAN-India Summit in Phnom Penh.
“We pray for the injured to return rapidly to good health,” he added.
The Indian delegation attending the summit was led by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The death toll from the foot bridge collapse rose to 135. According to local officials, most of those who died were women, children, or elderly.
The bridge, which authorities said collapsed due to overloading, had been reopened just a week ago after undergoing repairs.
The 754 feet bridge on the Machchu river was built during British rule in the 19th Century. –ag