On Saturday at least nine least bodies were found following a massive fire that took place at a warehouse party in Oakland, CA.
According to the New York Daily News, the California dance party took place late Friday night in the upstairs portion of the warehouse.
There were around 50 to 100 people who attended the party; the fire broke out around 11:30pm. Firefighters battled the flames and were able to put it out around 4:30am.
However, firefighters were prevented from entering the building for another eight hours out of the fear of the building not being “structurally sound.”
Investigators have confirmed nine deaths, and fear that the death toll may reach about 40 people. Alameda County Sherriff Sgt. Ray Kelly stressed that it is impossible to know how many deaths there really are until firefighters search the entire building.
He said, “We are prepared for a mass casualty event. We don’t exactly know how many.”
None of the victims have been identified, but officials say they look to be within their 20’s and 30’s. Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed said, “I pray that our fatality count doesn’t go up. But I believe that there’s a large potential to.”
It is also being reported that there doesn’t seem like there was a clear entrance or exit on the second floor, which made it difficult for people to escape.
The building, which was called the “Ghost Ship” was used to house groups of artists and their studios.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Our prayers go out the victims and their families.
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