California balcony collapse 'kills 5'

Five people died, including several Irish citizens, and eight more people were injured early Tuesday when an apartment balcony collapsed in the college town of Berkeley, California, local media reported.

NBC affiliate KNTV reported that many of the wounded have critical, life-threatening injures, quoting a police spokeswoman.

Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said in a statement: "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 Berkley, California earlier today."

Flanagan said his "heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the deceased and those who have been injured in this appalling accident."

Officers received a call about the fourth-floor balcony collapse just before 1:00 am, KNTV added.

Police spokeswoman Jennifer Coats said she had no information on how the collapse occurred or the victims' identities, according to the station.