Six students killed in California balcony collapse

Los Angeles

Six Irish students who were on a J1 work-study visa programme died on Tuesday when balcony of the apartment collapsed during a birthday party in Berkeley, authorities said.

 The tragedy occurred at a building two blocks from the University of California, Berkeley campus injuring at least seven and some in critical condition, local media and officials said.

 Most of those involved were Irish students from University College Dublin, on the J1 work-study visa program, which allows them to teach, study, conduct research and work legally during their stay in the United States.

 The Alameda County coroner's office confirmed that six people died.

 "My heart breaks for the parents who have lost children," Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told parliament.

He said 13 people had been on the balcony at the time, citing police.

 "It is truly terrible to have such a serious and sad incident take place at the beginning of summer of adventure and opportunity for so many young people on J1 visas in the United States," Kenny said.

 He said he had spoken with US ambassador to Ireland, Kevin O'Malley, who expressed the United States' condolences.

 Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said the families of the dead had been contacted.