Biden mourns ‘devastation’ of bridge collapse at Georgia’s Sapelo Island

President Biden released a statement mourning the “devastation” after a bridge collapsed on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, killing 7 people.

“We are heartbroken to learn about the ferry dock walkway collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island. What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned into tragedy and devastation,” Biden said in a statement Saturday evening.

Authorities in Georgia said at least seven people were killed when part of a ferry dock collapsed on Sapelo Island. Crowds had gathered for a celebration of the island’s Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants, The Associated Press reported.

A local spokesperson said several people were taken to the hospital after the collapse. A gangway at the dock collapsed and sent people into the water, he said.

Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden are mourning those who lost their lives in the collapse and those who are still missing.

“My team is in touch with state and local officials, and we stand ready to provide any and all assistance that would be helpful to the community,” Biden said. Officials don’t know why the dock collapsed and are looking into it.

A boat did not hit it, and “there was no collision,” Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Tyler Jones said, according to The Associated Press.