Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is saddened over news of the death of a number of Liberians in the United States of America as a result of a fire disaster in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which reportedly left seven Liberians dead and four others seriously injured.

In an Executive Mansion statement issued in Monrovia on December 30, 2008, the President expressed profound regret and sympathy to the bereaved families and hoped that they find strength and courage as they endure this very painful moment.

The President expressed thanks and appreciation to authorities of the city of Philadelphia, the Red Cross, the leadership of the Liberian Community as well as Liberians in general for the overwhelming demonstration of support and concern for victims of this tragedy.

The Liberian leader wishes the survivors of the fire disaster speedy recovery and urges other Liberians residing in the area to lend whatever support to families of the victims of the fire disaster.

Liberia's Ambassador to the United States, Nathaniel Barnes, will represent President Johnson Sirleaf at the funeral on Saturday, at which time Ambassador Barnes will make a special donation to the bereaved families on behalf of the President.

Seven Liberians are reported to have died on Saturday, December 27, 2008 when a fire gutted a three-story brick duplex in South-west Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, killing four adults and three children, including a one-year-old.