Ireland Shocked By 'Appalling Tragedy' in Berkeley

Officials in Ireland are reporting that all of the students killed and injured in the collapse of an apartment balcony in Berkeley are from that nation. The students were attending a birthday party for someone turning 21. It’s unknown if the person celebrating their birthday was on the 4th-floor balcony when it collapsed.

One report in the Irish Times says that two of the dead were cousins.

• UPDATE: Sixth Death Confirmed, Seven Injured After Berkeley Balcony Collapses

The families and friends of students attending school at Berkeley have flooded an emergency telephone line set up in the wake of the tragedy. Foreign Affairs Ministry officials have appealed to all students to phone their families to let them know they’re all right.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said, “This is a very, very challenging and difficult time for families, parents and friends of those directly involved. It has been an appalling tragedy, an appalling loss of life for young people whose hopes and dreams, future have suddenly and without notice been shattered.”

Flanagan added, “I don’t have details in terms of names, in terms of identity, in terms of where they are from. But I think it’s reasonable to assume that they are all young, Irish J1 students in California and it’s also noteworthy that up to 35 per cent of our J1 student complement visits the California region during their J1 stay.”

Irish President Michael D. Higgins commented on the tragedy, “My heart goes out to the families and loved one’s of all those involved.”

Various officials in Ireland called the collapse “shocking” and a “tragedy.”

Video courtesy alexsavidgektvu via Instagram

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