A partially collapsed school that was built after the introduction of anti-earthquake construction legislation is surrounded by rubble on Aug. 25, 2016 in Amatrice, Italy.Carl Court/Getty Images
A Canadian is among at least 241 killed in the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Italy on Wednesday, the Canadian government has confirmed.
In a statement released Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Dion extended his condolences to the family and friends of the Canadian who died in the earthquake.
"I was extremely saddened to see the tragic loss of life following the devastating earthquake in central Italy, which now includes the death of a Canadian citizen. We share in the grief of the lives cut short by this terrible event," he said.
No further details about the identity of the Canadian have been released.
Dozens of people are believed to be still trapped beneath the rubble in the affected area, where rescuers are frantically working to save them.
Tuesday's earthquake was the deadliest to strike Italy since 2009, when a tremor killed more than 300 people.
Canadian citizens in Italy requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada to Italy in Rome at +39 06 85444 2911, or call Global Affairs Canada's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre collect at +1 613 996 8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.
With files from the Canadian Press.