Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling condoles deaths in Darjeeling bridge collapse

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives due to the bridge collapse in neighbouring Darjeeling district of West Bengal last evening.

In his condolence message on behalf of the people of Sikkim to the bereaved families, Chamling asked them to be calm to face this tragic incident and have faith in God.

The chief minister, who is in New Delhi now, also wished speedy recovery to those who have sustained injury during the accident.

At least 34 persons were killed and about 50 injured when an old wooden footbridge over a spring gave way under the pressure of a crowd during a Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) meeting at Bijanbari in Darjeeling district.

Meanwhile, Chamling and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit today flagged off from Delhi two truck of relief materials for the earthquake hit people of Sikkim, official sources said here.

The relief materials were donated by Thakur Dwar Trust of Delhi.

Chamling also called on DONER Minister BK Handique and discussed with him several projects of Sikkim, the sources said.