BREAKING: Irish among the dead following California balcony collapse

A number of Irish citizens have been killed after a balcony collapsed during a party at an apartment block at Berkeley, California. 

Developing: 5 people are dead and 8 others injured after a balcony collapsed in #Berkeley overnight pic.twitter.com/sHVaCmsNM2

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) June 16, 2015

Local police confirmed the collapse of the fourth-floor balcony had resulted in a number of fatalities and serious injuries at what is believed to have been a 21st birthday party for an Irish student. [caption id="attachment_219928" align="alignleft" width="600"] Picture: Twitter[/caption] According to Berkeley Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Coats, the injuries suffered by survivors of the incident are "very serious and potentially life-threatening." The Department of Foreign Affairs has opened the Consular Crisis Centre for families eager to get in touch with loved ones who might be affected. The Department's helpline can be reached on +353-1-4180200.