Balcony collapse in California 'kills five people'

 

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.
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.
Officials are still unsure why it happened, said Jennifer Coats, a Berkeley Police Department spokeswoman.
Many of those hurt have life-threatening injuries, she said.
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.
"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.It is believed 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.