BERKELEY (KRON) — Ireland’s president has issued his condolences to the families and loved ones of the six victims that were killed after they fell four stories off a collapsed balcony in Berkeley early Tuesday morning.
Irish President Michael Higgins expressed “greatest sadness,” saying he learned of the incident while on an official visit to Italy.
“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all those involved,” Higgins said.
In a statement, the Irish government confirmed that several of the victims are young people from Ireland.
“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,” said Minister Charles Flanagan.
“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the deceased and those who have been injured in this appalling accident. My Department in Dublin stands ready to provide all possible consular assistance to the Irish citizens affected by this tragedy.
“Our Consul General in San Francisco is in close contact with the authorities and will be providing assistance to those affected on the ground.
“It is too early to know the full extent of this dreadful accident but I have opened my Department’s Consular Crisis Centre and activated our emergency response line so we can provide assistance and guidance to the families of those affected and to others who have concerns. “
Stay with KRON 4 live as this story develops.
