At least nine people die at fire in California, 25 others missing

At least nine people were killed and 25 unaccounted for following a massive fire at a rave party in Oakland, California, in the US, fire officials said.


Authorities said they are preparing for a jump in the death toll.

Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed said most of those who died were found on the second floor of the two-storey warehouse building, apparently being used as an artists' studio, near San Francisco.

"It must have been a very fast-moving fire," she told reporters.

She said the roof had collapsed, complicating efforts to recover bodies. The warehouse in the Fruitvale district housed units where people lived and worked.

It was not immediately known what sparked the blaze at the electronic dance music party.
 [rte.ie]
3/12/16