French balcony collapse kills four and injures 10 students

Four people died and more than 10 others were injured on 15 October when a third floor balcony collapsed during a student party in Angers, western France.

Three men and one woman were killed when the balcony, believed to be holding 15 people, suddenly gave way, crashing into the balconies below.

The group were students attending a housewarming party when the incident happened around 11.30pm local time, according to Ouest France.

The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital where one of them is said to be in a serious condition. Three have already been released, according to hospital sources.

"The injured are all around 20-years-old, they are certainly students," hospital duty manager Michel Pichon told France Info Radio.

Forensic police remained at the scene until 3.30am and an investigation is now underway as to the cause of the collapse, according to officials.

Over 70 firefighters were mobilised overnight and an emergency psychological response team has been deployed to treat the victims who are under a state of shock, according to Ouest France.

The Red Cross is also assisting the families involved, and a support centre has been set up at the hospital.

The building, which was built in 2000, has been cordoned off while the cause of the accident is examined.