There's been a massive outpouring of sympathy following the deaths of five Irish students who were killed when a fourth floor balcony collapsed in Berkeley, California.
Up to nine other Irish students are seriously injured.
It's believed they are in the US on J1 visas and were celebrating a 21st birthday party.
The tragedy occurred shortly before 1am local time - that's 9am here at home.
The Taoiseach says the country mourns the tragic loss of young lives in California.
While the Union of Students in Ireland has also expressed it's shock at the news.
And the US Ambassador says everyone at the US Embassy is ready to do whatever they can to help.
We mourn the tragic loss of young lives in California this morning. Spoke with @USAmbIreland who offered sympathies of the American people.
— Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) June 16, 2015
CBS reporter Matt Bigler is at one of the 2 hospitals where those injured have been taken.
He says a number of distraught friends are there, anxiously waiting for news.
"There are several people, possibly a dozen friends and family, who have gathered at the emergency room waiting area, who appear to be Irish. They are all in their early 20s. They refuse to speak to us. They are distraught."
8 victims from #Berkeley balcony collapse taken to Highland Hospital. Friends in ER are distraught, most from Ireland pic.twitter.com/uRrsnyBx3C
— Matt Bigler (@mattbigler740) June 16, 2015
