The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana have sent condolence letters to Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressing their sadness over last Friday’s deadly train accident.

The incident, which occurred in the state of Odisha, has left 275  people dead and several hundred injured. This is the deadliest train crash in India’s history.

The Associated Press reported investigators to believe a signalling failure might have been the cause of the disaster, in which a passenger train hit a freight train, derailing on the tracks before being hit by another passenger train coming in the opposite direction on a parallel way.

In his letter to Modi, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Antigua and Barbuda stands united with the Indian people and will be praying for the victims and their families.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda, I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of India on the unfortunate occasion of a triple train collision in Odisha, which has claimed the lives of over 250 citizens and residents,” Browne stated.

“The loss of life, especially under circumstances like this, is always painful. I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the government and the people of India for this most catastrophic event”.

Guyanese President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali expressed similar sentiments saying the world needs to give India full support.

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic and horrific train crash that occurred in the State of Odisha…My thoughts and prayers go out to all those injured, wishing them a swift recovery.

In times of such tragedy, we must unite as a global community and support one another. I want to assure you that Guyana stands in solidarity with India during this challenging time,” Ali wrote.