Subscribe

* indicates required
Okayplayer News

To continue reading

Create a free account or sign in to unlock more free articles.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy

Oakland Warehouse Fire Kills At Least 9, Leaves Others Missing
Oakland Warehouse Fire Kills At Least 9, Leaves Others Missing

Oakland Warehouse Fire Kills At Least 9, Leaves Others Missing

Oakland Warehouse Fire Kills At Least 9, Leaves Others Missing

A fire in an Oakland warehouse during a party has killed at least nine people and left at least 25 others unaccounted for. (Photo via @OaklandFireLive via AP) 

A fire at a warehouse party in Oakland, Calif. on Friday night has authorities confirming at least nine deaths, and "preparing for the worst."

"We are preparing for the worst, which would be about 40 people," said Alameda Counry Sheriff's Sgt. Paul Graves, according to CNN. "It may not be that many. These people could be at the hospital or with friends. That's just the worst case we are preparing for."

The warehouse, which had been partitioned into several artist studios, had dozens of people inside for an electronic music party. People have used the Facebook event page to post names of people who attended the party. There have been at least nine deaths, but 25 people listed are still unaccounted for: whether they went to the hospital on their own, or simply made it out of the building without injuries, remains to be seen.

Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed said that most of the nine deaths were on the second floor, and that it would have been difficult for them to escape because there wasn't a clear exit path to the ground floor.

"Last night's fire was an immense tragedy," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. "Our focus right now is on the victims and their families and ensuring that we have a full accounting for everyone who was impacted by this tragedy."