TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Tuesday offered his condolences to the Italian people and government over the collapse of a giant motorway bridge in Genoa, which led to the deaths and injuries of dozens of people.

Qassemi expressed deep regret over the tragic incident and sympathized with the bereaved families, Tansim reported.

A section of a towering highway bridge collapsed in Italy on Tuesday, sending vehicles plunging nearly 300 feet to the ground and killing at least 31 people, officials said.

The collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa occurred around midday during strong storms moving through the area of northwest Italy, according to authorities.

MH/PA