A sixth person has died after a balcony collapsed in Berkley, California.
It's been confirmed that five of the dead are Irish students, who were on a J1 and celebrating a 21st birthday party at the time.
A number of others are critically injured.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has described the incident as a "dreadful accident" and has activated his Department's Consular Crisis Centre to help the families of the victims.
An emergency response line has been opened - anyone with concerns about friends or family in the region, should call 01- 418 0200.
The Taoiseach broke the news to Government Ministers during their weekly meeting this morning. The Employment Minister Jed Nash said "a sense of numbness enveloped the room", and has described it as an a "desperate situation".
#breaking: closeup pic of the 4th floor #berkeley balcony that collapsed. we're told injuries are life-threatening. pic.twitter.com/dLQTjbatjl
— Kristen Sze (@abc7kristensze) June 16, 2015
Statement from Department of Foreign Affairs:
Minister Flanagan expresses heartfelt sympathy at Irish deaths in California and activates Department’s Consular Crisis Centre
“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.
“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.
Anyone with concerns about friends or family in the region, should call the Emergency Consular Response Team on +353 1 418 0200.”
