The remains of Gambians who died in the Bronx fire tragedy arrived in Banjul on Wednesday evening. 

At least 16 Gambians are confirmed to have died in a fire tragedy at an apartment high rise in Bronx, New York City.

“The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations, H.E Lang Yabou, and the Director of the Diaspora and Migration Directorate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Musa Camara were at the foot of the aircraft to receive three escorts of families that came with the four deceased. 

“Fifteen escorts from the United States of America also arrived on Tuesday 18, January 2022,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad said.

The remaining Gambian victims were laid to rest in the Bronx, New York, on Sunday 16, January 2022.

Speaking at the airport, Ambassador Yabou expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving families for the tragic loss and assured them of the government’s continuous support in these trying times.

Momodou Baldeh, who was also part of the escorts, thanked the Gambia Government for the support accorded to the families since the tragedy.

“Senior Officials from the Ministry also left this morning to Soma, and Gambisara to attend the funeral of the four deceased. 

“The families and loved ones will be accorded all the necessary support to give a befitting burial to their loved ones. The Ministry prays for God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness on the souls of the departed and further prays that God grants the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the ministry added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba