OAKLAND WAREHOUSE PARTY FIRE: DANCE MUSIC WORLD REACTS
“An immense tragedy”...
A warehouse in Oakland, California, known as the Ghost Ship, was hit by a devastating fire during a party on Friday night (2nd December).
Artists circulating Los Angeles electronic label 100% Silk were performing at the event, following which 33 people have been reported dead. The total number of casualties is still to be confirmed as the building continues to be searched, with many more still unaccounted for.
The fire reportedly broke out at 11:30pm PST (7:30am Saturday 3rd December GMT), and couldn’t be controlled until the following day.
The party’s Facebook page has been used to account for people missing.
100% Silk issued a statement on Facebook on Saturday, describing the events as an “unbelievable tragedy” before continuing, “We are a very tight community of artists and we are all praying, sending love and condolences to everyone involved and their families.”
You can see the full post below.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf described the fire as “an immense tragedy,” before tributes followed from the wider dance music community on social media.
Gaslamp Killer described how this could have happened to anybody, whilst The Black Madinna described how DJs would “struggle to bring joy to a room in a time of great personal sadness”. You can see more reactions below.
Sending strength along with our deepest condolences to our friends in Oakland.
— smartbar chicago (@SmartBar) December 3, 2016
I think I speak for a lot of us when I say a great many djs will struggle to bring joy to a room in a time of great personal sadness.
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) December 3, 2016
Just heard about the tragedy in Oakland. Played so many parties like 100% Silk at warehouses worldwide & it could have happened to any of us
— G L K (@GASLAMPKILLER) December 3, 2016
aw man this Oakland fire is so fucking sad. much love to all those affected.
— el-p (@therealelp) December 4, 2016
maybe @fabriclondon could use some of the surplus ££ raised to contribute to these? - https://t.co/yeo6VtCC21 / https://t.co/GzyZ79LfNE
— Ben UFO (@BenUFO) December 4, 2016
#RaiderNation Salute. Remember we are one people. Keep the victims,loved ones and families of the #oaklandfire in your Prayers. #Peace
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) December 5, 2016
RIP to everyone lost in the oakland fire
stay safe out there, and please if you are throwing parties, keep safety in mind.— BLEEP BLOOP (@bleepbloopbass) December 4, 2016
Rob McCallum is DJ Mag’s deputy digital editor. Follow him on Twitter here.