This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33150308

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Balcony collapse in California 'kills five people' Balcony collapse in California 'kills five people'
(35 minutes later)
The balcony of a fourth floor flat in California has collapsed, killing five people and injuring eight, some seriously, police have said.The balcony of a fourth floor flat in California has collapsed, killing five people and injuring eight, some seriously, police have said.
A number of young Irish citizens are among the dead, said Irish officials. All five of those killed were Irish students, Ireland's Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said.
Police found the structure smashed on the street below after an emergency call at 01:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Tuesday morning in Berkeley. Police found the structure smashed on the street below after an emergency call just before 01:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Tuesday in Berkeley.
Officials are still unsure why it happened, said Jennifer Coats, a Berkeley Police Department spokeswoman. Officials are still unsure why it happened, a police spokeswoman said.
Many of those hurt have life-threatening injuries, she said. Many of those hurt have life-threatening injuries, said Jennifer Coats, a Berkeley Police Department spokeswoman.
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said young Irish people were among the dead.
He said it was "too early to know the full extent of this dreadful accident", but a crisis hotline had been set up.He said it was "too early to know the full extent of this dreadful accident", but a crisis hotline had been set up.
"My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the deceased and those who have been injured in this appalling accident," said Mr Flanagan."My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the deceased and those who have been injured in this appalling accident," said Mr Flanagan.
The Irish consul general in San Francisco is helping those affected, he said. A local ABC reporter at the scene said it is thought the Irish people involved had come to California to work for the summer.
The Irish consul general in San Francisco is helping those affected and there is an Irish helpline (+353 1 418 0200).
The building has shops on the ground floor and flats on the higher floors.The building has shops on the ground floor and flats on the higher floors.
Are you in the area? Are you affected by the balcony collapse? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in the area? Are you affected by the balcony collapse? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
If you are available to speak with a BBC journalist, please include a telephone number.If you are available to speak with a BBC journalist, please include a telephone number.