Putin Expresses Condolences To Brazil Over Deadly Collapse Of Dam In State Of Minas Gerais

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 27th January, 2019) Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences on Sunday to his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro, over the collapse of a dam in the country's southeastern state of Minas Gerais that claimed lives of dozens of people.

On Friday morning, a dam collapsed in Minas Gerais's Brumadinho municipality, triggering heavy mud floods that caused multiple fatalities and injuries. According to the latest figures, 40 people were killed, while 250 remain missing due to the incident.

"Accept deep condolences in regards to the tragic consequences of the disaster in the state of Minas Gerais.

I ask you to convey the words of the most sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the wishes of a speedy recovery to all injured," Putin said in a message, released by the Kremlin's press service.

A court in Minas Gerais has reportedly frozen 5 billion reals ($1.3 billion) in the accounts of Brazilian mining corporation Vale, which is the owner of the collapsed dam. The money will be used to compensate damages caused by the dam collapse, according to media reports.