UPDATE: The Department Of Foreign Affairs has opened a helpline for those affected by today's tragedy, which is available on 00353-1-4180200. Five Irish students have been killed following an accident in California. The tragic incident took place earlier today when a fourth floor apartment balcony collapsed at 12:41 a.m, less than two blocks from the University of California in Berkeley. Five students from Ireland were killed in the impact but no further details on their identity have yet been released. According to RTÉ News, the area is a popular destination for J1 students and an Irish 21st birthday party may have been taking place in the apartment at the time. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has since issued a statement, saying "My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the deceased and those who have been injured in this appalling accident". Eight other students are understood to have sustained "life threatening" injuries in the accident and have taken to nearby hospitals. An investigation has now been launched into the cause of the structural fail.

Developing: 5 people are dead and 8 others injured after a balcony collapsed in #Berkeley overnight pic.twitter.com/sHVaCmsNM2

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) June 16, 2015

#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

4th floor #Berkeley balcony collapse: 5 killed,8 suffered serious to life threatening injuries pic.twitter.com/GXsMxziX05

— Stephanie Chuang (@StephChuang) June 16, 2015