Partygoers Killed After Fire Breaks Out At Oakland Warehouse Gig

The LA Times is reporting that up to as many as 40 people may have been killed in a fire that swept through a gig promoted by indie electronic label 100% Silk on Friday night.

The gig was hosted in a converted warehouse space in Oakland and was headlined by label artist Golden Donna, as part of his 'West Coast Tour', with label mates Cherushii and Nackt also on the bill.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but police are not suspecting arson.

Nine bodies have been recovered so far but firefighters are reportedly having difficulties searching the remains of the warehouse as the roof collapsed during the fire.

The sheriff's office has warned that they are fearing they will find dozens more bodies in the debris.

Golden Donna, aka producer Joel Shanahan, is reported to be safe, according to a post made on his Facebook page, it also notes that he has several friends amongst the missing.

The label has also posted a message on the 100% Silk Facebook page, describing Friday evening's fire as "an unbelievable tragedy." 

The post goes on to call the fire "a nightmare scenario" and says that the label's founders are "utterly devastated".

[Update] Police are reporting that they have so far accounted for 12 survivors, one was sent to hospital for treatment.

The Alameda County sheriff has told media that many of those inside the warehouse at the time of the fire were young, and some were from foreign countries.

It is believed it could take as long as two days to complete the search for victims. According to East Bay Times, 25 people are still unaccounted for.

It has been speculated that the fire may have started near a makeshift stairwell, which possibly made it more difficult for people to exit the building.

City building and safety officials told the Times that any public event held at the warehouse would have required a permit, none had been granted. 

The warehouse is believed to have housed an art collective and was regularly used for raves and parties.