Papa Francisco expressed this Thursday his “sadness” over the bus accident in which they were killed 40 migrants who were crossing Panama and joined “the pain of relatives and friends of the deceased”.
“The Holy Father received with deep sadness the news about the bus accident that happened in the area gualacin which several migrants lost their lives and others were injured”, reads the telegram of the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
A message, written in Spanish and addressed to the cardinal Jose Luis Lacunzathe bishop of the Panamanian city of David, adds: “His Holiness Francisco joins the pain of the relatives and friends of the deceased and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
While sharing a consoling apostolic blessing from the heart, as a sign of hope in the risen Lord”, he concludes.
Panamanian authorities raised this Thursday to 40 the number of deaths, including children, in the accident of the bus transporting illegal migrants this Wednesday to a shelter located near the border with Costa Rica.
The accident, which occurred around 04:00 local time (09:00 GMT) in Gualaca, an area in the western province of Chiriquí located about 450 kilometers from the Panamanian capital, injured more than 20 people, according to authorities.
Panamanian authorities have not publicly released the ages or nationalities of the deceased, who are believed to be mostly migrants in transit to North America.
Deputy director National Migration Service (SNM), Marija Elizabeta Saravijahe said at the press conference that there were children among the dead – there were 20 minors on the bus – as well as a Panamanian citizen who was one of the two drivers.
According to the version available and verified by authorities, the bus driver passed the entrance to the Gualaca shelter and, when he turned around, lost control of the vehicle, collided with at least one fixed object and plunged down a ravine.
This is the worst accident of its kind recorded in Panama in more than 50 years.
Source: Panama America
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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