UPDATE:

It has been confirmed that after the Berkeley bridge collapsed, six students are now dead. Four died on the scene, while the other two suffered from their injuries in the hospital.

“I have heard with the greatest sadness of the terrible loss of life of young Irish people and the critical injury of others in Berkeley, California today. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all those involved,” Michael D. Higgins, the president of Ireland, said.

ORIGINAL:

Shortly after midnight, and one block away from the University of California, a Berkeley bridge collapses four stories to the ground. Five individuals have announced as dead, while at least eight others have injuries; ones that are critical and life-threatening.

Drop down bottom for more details.

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The building in which the incident took has apartments on the upper levels, and retail shops on the ground floor. Witnesses say that the fourth floor apartment where the Berkeley bridge collapsed, there was a 21st birthday party happening.

It has been made clear that the five students who died were Irish students studying abroad.

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan told RTE’s radio station:

“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 balcony in Berkeley, California, earlier today,” he told the Irish Independent newspaper.

“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,” Flanagan added.

Check out the scene in gallery.

SOURCE: USA Today