This article is from the source 'independent' 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.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/irish-people-killed-in-balcony-collapse-in-the-us-10323333.html
The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Irish 'students' killed in balcony collapse near University of California in Berkeley | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Several Irish people, reported to be students, have been been killed after a balcony collapsed at an apartment building in the US. | |
Five people were killed and eight others injured when the fourth-floor balcony fell in Berkeley, California. | Five people were killed and eight others injured when the fourth-floor balcony fell in Berkeley, California. |
Unconfirmed reports said the accident happened at accommodation popular with students of the nearby University of California, where a 21st birthday party was being held at the time. The balcony collapsed near the University of California in Berkeley | |
Charlie Flanagan, the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister, said: “It is with great sadness that I confirm that a number of young Irish citizens have lost their lives, while a number of others have been seriously injured following the collapse of a balcony in Berkeley, California, earlier today.” | Charlie Flanagan, the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister, said: “It is with great sadness that I confirm that a number of young Irish citizens have lost their lives, while a number of others have been seriously injured following the collapse of a balcony in Berkeley, California, earlier today.” |
It was unclear whether some or all of the people killed in the accident were Irish and their identities have not been released. | It was unclear whether some or all of the people killed in the accident were Irish and their identities have not been released. |
#breaking: debris from #berkeley balcony collapse. you can see clothing & drink cups. those injured look student-aged pic.twitter.com/qeQT9yMAIq | |
The balcony fell from the top of a four-storey building shortly after midnight local time, striking another balcony below it on its way to the ground, according to local reports. | |
Many of the injured people have critical or life-threatening wounds, a spokesperson from the Berkeley Police Department said. | |
Developing: 5 people are dead and 8 others injured after a balcony collapsed in #Berkeley overnight pic.twitter.com/sHVaCmsNM2 | Developing: 5 people are dead and 8 others injured after a balcony collapsed in #Berkeley overnight pic.twitter.com/sHVaCmsNM2 |
Firefighters and city officials are said to be on the scene, which was sealed off after the accident. | Firefighters and city officials are said to be on the scene, which was sealed off after the accident. |
“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the deceased and those who have been injured in this appalling accident,” Mr Flanagan said. | “My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the deceased and those who have been injured in this appalling accident,” Mr Flanagan said. |
“My department in Dublin stands ready to provide all possible consular assistance to the Irish citizens affected by this tragedy.” | “My department in Dublin stands ready to provide all possible consular assistance to the Irish citizens affected by this tragedy.” |
Anyone with concerns about friends or family in the Berkley region, should call the Emergency Consular Response Team on +353 1 418 0200 | Anyone with concerns about friends or family in the Berkley region, should call the Emergency Consular Response Team on +353 1 418 0200 |
An investigation is underway into the cause of the collapse at the Library Gardens building on Kittredge Street. It has shops on the ground floor and apartments above. | |
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is working with Authorities in California and has set up a crisis centre and emergency phone line for anyone concerned about their family and friends. | The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is working with Authorities in California and has set up a crisis centre and emergency phone line for anyone concerned about their family and friends. |
President Michael Higgins sent a message of condolence after hearing the new with "the greatest sadness" during a state visit to Italy. | |
"My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all those involved," he said. The apartment building is a short walk from the University of California building in Berkeley | |
"I have been informed of the consular assistance being provided to assist all of the families involved and I have asked to be kept informed as further details emerge." | |
Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, added his sympathies over the tragedy. | |
"Shocking news of the deaths of several young Irish people in a tragic accident in California. My heart and sympathy goes out to their families," he wrote on Twitter. | |
Additional reporting by agencies | Additional reporting by agencies |