Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, has sent a message of condolences on behalf of the Fijian government, and the Fijian people to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi and the people of India following the devastating multi-train crash in Eastern Odisha State last Friday, which led to the loss of many lives, and injured countless more.
He says he is saddened by the news of the three-way crash involving two passenger trains and a freight train in Balasore District, Eastern Odisha State, last Friday, causing almost 300 fatalities and over 1,000 injured casualties, destruction and damage.
Rabuka says he extends his sincere condolences personally to Modi, the Government and the people of India, in particular, to the families who have lost loved ones and those whose relatives got injured in the horrific crash.
He adds the distress and grief of the people of Fiji are heightened by the deep historical bonds between the two countries.
The Prime Minister says the victims, survivors and their families are at the center of prayers in homes, churches, temples and mosques throughout Fiji.
He further says we pray for peace and mercy upon the people of India at this most trying time, and it's our sincere hope that our message will provide some comfort to the families of those affected.
Meanwhile, the President of the Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji Dhirendra Nand has also sent their condolence messages to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident as well as to the people and Government of India and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
He says they have learned with deep sorrow that close to 300 people lost their lives and nearly 1,000 people were injured on as a result of a train crash.
