RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government on Tuesday released a statement expressing grief and pledging solidarity after a bridge in Italy collapsed earlier in the day, killing at least 31 people.
"The Brazilian government expresses its condolences to and solidarity with the families of the victims, the people and the government of Italy," the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry read.
Some 200 meters of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa collapsed, causing the death of 31 people, including three children, the Italian Interior Ministry confirmed. The tragedy also displaced over 400 people from their homes.
Local authorities reported earlier in the evening that over half of the victims have been identified.
The Brazilian Government said there was no news of Brazilians being among the victims so far. Brazilians in need of assistance are being asked to contact the Brazilian Consulate in Milan.
The bridge is believed to have collapsed due to structural problems. Built in the 1960s, it has been under extensive renovation since 2016.
