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US balcony collapse 'kills five'
10 minutes ago
Janet O from ABC7News reports: ''A chaotic scene in Berkeley''
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.
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, a police spokeswoman said.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
10 minutes ago
Janet O from ABC7News reports: ''A chaotic scene in Berkeley''
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.
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, a police spokeswoman said.
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.
"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.
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.
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.