President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has extended a condolence message to her Indian counterpart, His Excellency Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the Government and people of the Republic of India, following the death of twenty-two (22) persons and injury to more than hundred others as a result of the collapse of a flyover under construction in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata (Calcutta).

On Mach 31, 2016, a flyover under construction collapsed on a busy road in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. The flyover had been under construction since 2009 and had missed several deadlines for completion. The accident took place in an area near Girish Park, one of Kolkata’s most densely populated neighborhoods, with narrow lanes, shops and houses built close together.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader said, “It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that we have learned of the death of twenty-two (22) persons and more than hundred inured as a result of the collapse of an overpass, on Thursday, 31^st March  2016,  in the State of Kolkata.”

President Sirleaf, in her message, extended on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, heartfelt condolences to the Indian leader, H.E. Mr. Mukherjee, and through him, to the Government and people of India, especially the families of the victims, heartfelt condolences as a result of this tragic incident.

The Liberian leader said, as the people of India go through this period of national mourning, she hoped and prayed that the resilience and strength that the people of India have always exhibited during challenging circumstances, will remain a hallmark of that nation.