Three Days of Mourning Declared in Venezuela Because of Air Tragedy

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has declared three days of mourning after the plane crash yesterday in the state of Bolívar, where 15 people died and 36 survived.Rangel Gomez, State Governor of Bolivar declared the number of survivors “is a miracle”; adding that the cause of the disaster is still unknown.

Survivors are receiving medical care financed by the government at local hospitals. Most of them suffer from trauma and burns.

Chávez highlighted the rescue labor and the services of safety and health provided. “I want to acknowledge the commendable work of rescue workers, and the services of health and safety that have been provided; and encouraged the workers of Siderúrgica del Orinoco (Sidor), who, regardless of any risk, provided valuable and timely assistance to preserve the lives of survivors.”

Venezuelan President addressed the nation through the state broadcaster VTV and said “We are all in mourning and filled with sorrow for this tragedy,” and sending “deep sense of affection and heartfelt words of sympathy and solidarity ” to the families of the victims.