33 bodies found with 70% of the building still remaining in search for survivors in massive fire in Oakland California Warehouse
Oakland fire: Dozens of bodies found, search continues
EDITOR’S NOTE: We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and their friends of this tragic event in Oakland, California. Please consider the following relief organizations:
A YouCaring page is accepting donations towards relief for the victims and their families. We encourage you to donate as you can here at YouCaring’s page: Fire Relief Fund for Victims of Ghostship Oakland Fire.
Additionally the Gray Area Foundation for the Arts is raising money with its Fire Relief Fund for Victims of Ghostship Oakland Fire campaign.
33 people are confirmed dead in a massive warehouse fire in Oakland, California that erupted during an electronic dance music party held on the site. The fire consumed and gutted the old warehouse and authorities report that 70% of the building still needs to be searched by crews Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said in a news conference Sunday, December 4, 2016. The identification process for victims could take some time as DNA and dental records were mentioned as the first routes given the situation inside the building.
CNN reports the following from municipal officials: The City of Oakland identified the first eight victims Sunday night. One is a 17-year-old minor whose name will not be released, the city said. The rest have been identified as Cash Askew, 22, David Clines, 35, Donna Kellogg, 32, Travis Hough, 35, all of Oakland; Nick Gomez-Hall, 25, of Coronado, California; Sara Hoda, 30, of Walnut Creek, California; and Brandon Chase Wittenauer, 32, of Hayward, California.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf commented on the tragedy facing the community and began a preliminary criminal investigation into the incident. Fire fighters and rescus crews are faced with the daunting and delicate task of removing debris and remains from the site, and are doing so “literally bucket by bucket in a methodical, thoughtful, mindful and compassionate way,” according to Oakland battalion Fire Chief Melinda Drayton. After the blaze was controlled rescue workers still could not enter the building as the roof and second floor caved in on each other.
Friend Forced to Leave Injured Friend Behind
First Person Account From Survivor Of The Deadly Oakland Warehouse Fires from CBS SF Bay Area
CNN Interviews California State Chief Fire Marshal
In an interview with CNN, California state chief fire marshal James McMullen outlined the concerns facing rescue workers, “One is falling debris…One is building collapse. One is the fact that you don’t want to disturb evidence that’s critical for the fire investigation. … So the key thing is, you’ve got to move slowly and you’ve got to preserve the scene at the same time so that the fire investigators can in fact determine the area of origin and subsequently the point of origin (of the fire), and then determine the cause.”
Below is video of the fire at the Oakland warehouse captured by people who live in the neighborhood:
MASSIVE Fire Breaks Out in Oakland Nightclub During ‘Rave Cave’ Party via DailyNewsX 24/7
A report from freelance journalist Sam Lefebvre described the party’s location as a live art/workspace and that the evening’s events were scheduled to go on until very late, with the fire beginning at the start of the event. EDM dj Golden Donna was scheduled to perform according to a Facebook post describing the event. Eyewitness John Evanofski said “You could feel the heat of the flames…Most of us were crying or unable to react. It was so hot and so terrible knowing that so many of us were still inside.”
The family and friends of those affected by the tragedy have reached out via Facebook and Twitter to organize relief and information gathering efforts. CNN reports that the event’s Facebook page has become a nexus of information for those concerned about friends and family members.
A YouCaring page is accepting donations towards relief for the victims and their families. We encourage you to donate as you can here at YouCaring’s page: Fire Relief Fund for Victims of Ghostship Oakland Fire.
Additionally the Gray Area Foundation for the Arts is raising money with its Fire Relief Fund for Victims of Ghostship Oakland Fire campaign.
If you are trying to locate a loved one, you may go to the center or call 510-382-3000 for information.
[CNN]
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