Late Friday night, an Oakland concert venue and art space called The Ghost Ship caught flame during a stop on Golden Donna's 100% West Coast Tour. The fire broke out in the middle of the concert while an estimated 50 to 100 concertgoers were in the two-story building. Attendees on the first floor had easier access to the venue's exit than those on the second floor, who had to locate a makeshift stairwell to exit the building.
As of Sunday morning, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office reports that the fire department has accounted for thirty deceased victims so far, according to the New York Times. The fire department will continue clearing away the rubble for several more days. Although the cause of the fire is unknown, the warehouse is not currently considered a crime scene, the Los Angeles Times reports. Arson is not suspected, but has not been ruled out either.
100% Silk, the record label that represents Golden Donna, the scheduled performer, has issued a statement in response to the tragic event. They extend their condolences to the families of the victims and describe the fire as "a nightmare scenario."
Read 100% Silk's statement in full below.
