By Mustapha Jarju
Gambians death toll in the Bronx fire incident has gone up to 16 as the country will hold a mass funeral for the victims.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad said: “new information available to the Ministry indicates that the death toll has increased. Five (5) more people of Gambian origin passed away, making it sixteen (16) in total.”
“In the next few days, funeral arrangements will be made for the deceased. The New York authorities have established a centre to guide survivors in accessing all forms of assistance they need.
“The mission is ready to process travel documents for families and victims who may want to travel to The Gambia for burial,” it added.
“Latest information from our Permanent Representative in New York and Ambassador in Washington indicate that others are still missing but efforts are underway to locate them. Both the Permanent Mission and the Embassy in Washington are working with the authorities in the City of New York with a view to locating survivors and also assisting the injured. They have also been in touch with the families concerned.
“Some have already been found and reunited with their families. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Gambia Government, sends its heartfelt condolences to the grieving families for this tragic loss. The Ministry prays for God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness on the departed souls,” the ministry said.