Biden sends condolences to Mexico for train tragedy

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden offered condolences to the people of Mexico on Wednesday after a metro overpass collapse led to two dozen deaths in the Mexican capital.

"We send our deepest condolences to all those who lost a loved one and offer our best wishes for the recovery of all those who were injured," Biden said in a statement. "As neighbors and partners, our nations are closely linked, and the United States is ready to assist Mexico as it rebuilds from this tragedy."

Twenty-four people have died and 79 victims were hospitalized after a metro overpass collapsed in Mexico City, sending a train plummeting into traffic on the road below.

Mexico City head of government Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday investigations are currently underway within the Attorney General's Office while a newly-hired Norwegian company will conduct an external audit to discover the cause of the collapse.

Sheinbaum said investigations will continue "until its last consequences," and said the metro line will remain closed indefinitely.

The Golden Line, as it is popularly called, was inaugurated in 2012, when Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard was the head of the city.