Turkey offers its condolences to Italy over gas explosion

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey offered its condolences Sunday to the people and government of Italy after several houses collapsed overnight in a Sicilian town following a gas explosion.

“It has been learned with sadness that several buildings collapsed or were damaged due to a natural gas explosion in the town of Ravanusa on the Italian island of Sicily and that search and rescue efforts are continuing,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in this terrible incident, our wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, and our condolences to the friendly and allied Italian Government and people,” the statement added.

Italian media reported that at least three people are dead and six are still missing after four homes collapsed and another three were damaged in the explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a gas leak.