Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
major testing
Investigation into Berkeley balcony collapse tragedy enters next phase
Six young people died when the balcony collapsed in June and seven others were injured.
Updated at 4.30pm
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATORS WILL carry out extensive testing on the balcony that collapsed in Berkeley in June, killing six young people.
The District Attorney’s office began the criminal investigation shortly after the tragedy.
Outside engineering, architecture and water-proofing experts carried out a preliminary examination of the scene in July.
According to RTÉ the experts are due to return there within the next month to carry out major testing of the balcony.
Shortly after the Balcony Collapse, the US contractor that built the apartment complex applied for a restraining order against public officials investigating evidence.
Segue Construction sought the order to prevent district attorney investigators from conducting tests without a company representative being present.
The tragedy has sparked the implementation of new building regulations in California, including inspections of all existing balconies to prevent another similar collapse.
Balconies now need to be constructed with water-resistant wood or corrosion-resistant steel, and will be inspected six months after construction and then again every three years.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser is taking place this Friday for one of the injured students, Clodagh Cogley.
A trampoline dodgeball tournament and an adult open jump session will be held at The Jump Zone in Santry.
Clodagh suffered extensive injuries including two collapsed lungs, a broken shoulder, a broken knee, five broken ribs and a broken spinal cord.
All funds raised will go towards adapting her family home to suit her needs including wheelchair accessibility and numerous other expenses.
have your say