Seven mostly Irish students dead at University of California

Buidling codes in the United States compared to Europe are not up to international standards and not enforced properly. This was shown again today in a tragic accident in California. Shockingly this seems to be the case in student living quarters at the University of California in Berkley.

Ireland President Michael Higgins on a balcony collapse at the University of Berkley in California, USA. Six people died and seven others were wounded when a fourth-floor balcony collapsed early Tuesday in Berkeley, California, according to authorities. Five of the six dead were Irish students.

‘I was absolutely devastated to hear the news, particularly when one thinks of young lives that are the edge of so much and looking forward to futures that were very bright. I’ve already asked to be kept informed as matters develop. All our thoughts must go to the families and the loved ones and the friends of the numbers of those we’ve heard. And also to those who have devastating injuries. I’ve been informed that the consular services have already been put in place to try to be of some assistance. But of course, it’s such a devastating blow for the families of all of those affected’

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny: ‘It’s 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. It is truly terrible to have such a serious and sad incident take place at the beginning of a summer of opportunity and adventure for so many young people on J1 visas in the US. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has opened its consular emergency response center. And an experienced consular team stands ready to provide all possible consular assistance to the Irish citizens affected by this tragic incident and their familie

Berkeley city manager’s office says building in balcony collapse completed construction in 2007; owner ordered to perform structural assessment of remaining balconies within 48 hours

Police were unable to confirm what sort of gathering was taking place at the apartment, saying only that a call came in just before 1 a.m. (4 a.m. ET) about a balcony collapse. Two women at the scene told NBC Bay Area that a number of people were gathered in the apartment for a 21st birthday party.

Thirteen people fell from the balcony and four were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Berkeley Police spokesman Bryon White. One person died at the hospital, White said. A second person died later Tuesday morning, according to the Alameda County Coroner’s Office.

Another seven were being treated for serious injuries, according to police.

White said police received a call about a noise disturbance at the apartment about 40 minutes before they were notified of the collapse.

Authorities were working to determine what caused the collapse, White added.

The balcony fell to the sidewalk from the top of a four-story building. She said Berkeley Fire Department and city officials responded to the scene and had secured the area around the collapse.

The building where the collapse occurred is just two blocks from the campus of the University of California, Berkeley.