The inquiry into how six students plunged to their deaths from a balcony in Berkeley, California, is focusing on the water-proofing of eight critical wooden structural supports for the balcony.
Rain damage and rot on the balcony – which collapsed, killing five Irish students and one dual American-Irish national on Tuesday – was the likely cause of the fatal accident, the mayor of Berkeley said on Wednesday.
With an investigation under way to find the causes of the tragedy, Mayor Tom Bates said: “More than likely, it was caused by rain and water damage that was caused to the support beams.”
The Irish students killed were Olivia Burke, 21, Eoghan Culligan, 21, Niccolai (Nick) Schuster, 21, Lorcán Miller, 21, and Eimear Walsh, 21. Ashley Donohoe, 22, held joint Irish-American citizenship.
Two female Irish students remain in a critical condition in hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area today.
Back in Ireland, crowds have been queueing in Dublin and other cities to sign books of condolence to remember the dead and injured.
One of those who paid tribute online to one of the victims was World Cup winner and Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger. The German football international met with Nicolai Schuster a couple of years ago, and the student posted a picture of Schweinsteiger and himself online.
Today, the Bayern Munich midfielder posted a sympathy message to Nicolai Schuster and the other five victims of the tragedy.
On his official Facebook page, Schweinsteiger wrote: “This news makes me very sad. I wish you, the family and Nick’s relatives strength at this very difficult time. I would also like to express my condolences to all the other victims of this accident.”
Several of the student’s friends then posted comments on the soccer star’s status update: “Nick was a Bayern fan. His heart is still red and white. Bastian Schweinsteiger was his favorite player.
“I can’t in words believe how grateful we would be all (the family and friends of Nick) if Basti makes Instagram/Facebook post about Nick and sends a letter to the family.”
