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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.
All five of those killed were Irish students, Ireland's Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said.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 just before 01:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Tuesday in Berkeley. Police found debris 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, a police spokeswoman said.Officials are still unsure why it happened, a police spokeswoman said.
Many of those hurt have life-threatening injuries, said Jennifer Coats, a Berkeley Police Department spokeswoman.Many of those hurt have life-threatening injuries, said Jennifer Coats, a Berkeley Police Department spokeswoman.
He said it was "too early to know the full extent of this dreadful accident", but a crisis hotline had been set up. Photos taken at the scene appear to show a balcony on the fourth floor of the building falling on to another balcony on the third floor of the building.
"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. Mr Flanagan said that four of the victims died at the scene and another died in hospital, after the balcony collapsed while a birthday party was taking place in the building.
He said another eight or nine people who were injured in the incident were Irish students as well.
Irish President Michael Higgins said that he had "heard with the greatest sadness of the terrible loss of life of young Irish people and the critical injury of others in Berkeley, California today".
"My heart goes out to the families and loved one's of all those involved," 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.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 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.