New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the Bangladesh ferry disaster and offered his condolences to the families of the deseased.
The official twitter handle of Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted Prime Minister Modi's condolences.
“PM @narendramodi has expressed grief on the loss of lives due to the ferry accident on the Padma River in Bangladesh,” it posted.
PM @narendramodi has expressed grief on the loss of lives due to the ferry accident on the Padma River in Bangladesh.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 23, 2015
In another tweet the PMO wrote - “My prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident in Bangladesh: PM @narendramodi.”
My prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident in Bangladesh: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 23, 2015
Up to 140 passengers were thought to be on board the ill-fated ferry when it capsized yesterday afternoon after being hit by a cargo vessel in the Padma River, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Dhaka. The river is one of Bangladesh's largest.
The death toll of the disaster rose to 70 today, as divers finished their search after the vessel was lifted to the surface and towed to shore. Rescuers had recovered 48 bodies yesterday.
Ferry disasters in Bangladesh are often attributed to overcrowding and poor safety standards.
In August 2014, a ferry with an official capacity of 85 passengers was carrying more than 200 when it capsized on the Padma River near Dhaka, leaving more than 100 people dead or missing. The ferry's owner was arrested on charges of culpable homicide, unauthorized operation and overloading.
(With PTI inputs)
