Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TygrBright

(20,733 posts)
Sun Dec 4, 2016, 06:33 PM Dec 2016

Officials fear up to 40 dead in fire during concert at Oakland warehouse

Source: LATimes.com

hrough a converted warehouse crowded with people attending a Friday night concert in Oakland.

Alameda County sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said Saturday officials were prepared for up to 40 fatalities. He said many of those inside the warehouse were young, some from foreign countries.

There is no known cause of the fire. While arson is not suspected, Kelly said investigators are on scene and nothing has been ruled out. The warehouse isn’t currently considered a crime scene.

Officials believe there likely are more fatalities because there are friends and family who still have not heard from some people who attended the concert. Kelly said there were relatively few injuries among those who escaped.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-oakland-fire-nine-dead-warehouse-20161203-story.html



Hideous tragedy...

The place was apparently being used as an unlicensed entertainment venue.

sadly,
Bright
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Officials fear up to 40 dead in fire during concert at Oakland warehouse (Original Post) TygrBright Dec 2016 OP
Can't figure out what it was KT2000 Dec 2016 #1
Former tenant: Run-down warehouse sometimes lacked utilities Judi Lynn Dec 2016 #2

KT2000

(20,544 posts)
1. Can't figure out what it was
Sun Dec 4, 2016, 07:26 PM
Dec 2016

It does not look like much space was used for artists to work, where did they live, were they paying rent, apparently there was an entrance fee to the concert. Was this the renter's art project? Lots of questions about this but it sounds like there were plenty of lies concerning use of the building.

Judi Lynn

(160,219 posts)
2. Former tenant: Run-down warehouse sometimes lacked utilities
Mon Dec 5, 2016, 03:53 AM
Dec 2016

Former tenant: Run-down warehouse sometimes lacked utilities

Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press
Updated 1:42 am, Monday, December 5, 2016




OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Shelley Mack says she didn't know the converted Oakland warehouse known as the "Ghost Ship" was an illegal residence until after she moved in, when she was instructed to tell visitors it was a 24-hour workspace for artists.

The building was often freezing cold. Water and power were sometimes stolen from neighbors, who would get angry and shut them off. Once, a generator blew up, and residents quickly doused the flames, she said.

Mack, a 58-year-old tech sales worker and jewelry maker, lived in the warehouse for four or five months about two years ago. On Friday night, fire ripped through the cluttered space during a dance party, killing at least 33 people. Oakland officials say the death toll is expected to rise.

The building was crammed with rugs, old sofas and a garage-sale-like collection of pianos, paintings, turntables, statues and other items that quickly fed the flames.

More:
http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Former-tenant-Oakland-warehouse-was-unsafe-10690782.php

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Officials fear up to 40 d...