WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Friday offered America’s condolences to the people of Turkey as they mourn the deaths of scores of people in a mining accident.

Obama telephoned Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Friday to say that the American people’s prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who are suffering from the country’s worst mining accident, the White House said.

Obama also told Gul the U.S. is ready to provide any assistance to Turkey, its friend and NATO ally, to help those who were affected by the disaster.

More than 280 people died in a coal mine fire Tuesday in the town of Soma, in western Turkey, authorities said. Hundreds escaped the inferno.

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