Deadly Berkeley Balcony Collapse Tied to Rotted Wooden Beams

Berkeley's mayor said Wednesday that the balcony collapse that killed six college students appears to have been caused by rotted wooden beams, as the victims' heartbroken loved ones began arriving in the U.S. from Ireland. Mayor Tom Bates said investigators believe the wood was not caulked and sealed properly at the time of construction and was damaged by moisture as a result. He said that appears to be the prime cause of Tuesday's tragedy. The crowded fifth-floor balcony broke off an apartment building during a 21st-birthday party held by visiting Irish college students, spilling 13 people 50 feet onto the pavement below. In addition to the six killed, seven were seriously hurt. Bates said in his statement, "More than likely, it was caused by rain and water damage that was caused to the support beams."