Singapore PM Lee condoles 135 killed in Morbi bridge collapse in a letter to PM Modi

<p> Singapore, Nov 2 (PTI): Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has sent condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the unfortunate collapse of a Morbi bridge in Gujarat which killed 135 people.</p><p> In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, Lee wrote, "I was saddened to learn about the collapse of the Morbi Bridge in Gujarat and the tragic loss of lives.</p><p> "On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.</p><p> "Our thoughts are with the people of India during this time, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery." Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said there are currently no reports of Singaporeans among the casualties of the incident, adding that it will monitor developments closely.</p><p> Singapore’s Consulate-General in Mumbai is in close contact with the local authorities, Channel News Asia reported citing MFA.</p><p> Authorities in India said they believe that around 200 people were on the bridge when it collapsed.</p><p> Army, navy and national disaster response teams continue search operations as locals gathered on the banks of the river.</p><p> The bridge was originally built in 1877 and had been closed for six months for repairs until last week.</p><p> Police in India arrested nine people on Monday on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.</p><p> Those arrested included ticketing clerks accused of letting too many people onto the bridge and contractors who were in charge of repair work.</p><p> Singaporeans in Mumbai who require consular assistance can contact Singapore’s Consulate-General in Mumbai at +91-82910 32836 or MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800 / 8855. PTI GS VN VN</p><p><i>(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)</i></p>