Authorities have released new details surrounding Saturday’s tragic structural collapse at the Portuguese American Club that claimed the life of a local teenager and left several others injured.
According to the Portsmouth Police Department, officers responded to 35 Power Street at approximately 5:34 p.m. on June 7 following reports of a structural collapse with multiple injuries. When officers arrived, they found members of the Portsmouth Fire Department already on scene.
The collapse involved a concrete landing atop an exterior staircase on the building’s north side, which led to a second-floor entrance. The landing detached from the structure and fell, landing perpendicular to the ground and trapping two juveniles beneath it — a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, both from Portsmouth.
Tragically, the 15-year-old girl died from her injuries. The 17-year-old remains in critical condition at the hospital.
Three additional individuals on the landing at the time also suffered injuries. A 19-year-old woman from Little Compton was treated and released, a 49-year-old woman from Merrillville, Indiana, remains hospitalized with serious injuries, and a 46-year-old Portsmouth man sustained a minor injury but was not hospitalized.
Police are not releasing the names of the deceased or the injured at this time, out of respect for their families’ privacy.
The Portsmouth Police Detective Division is actively investigating the incident to determine whether any criminal activity played a role. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office has been asked to assist in the investigation. This criminal probe is separate from the structural review being conducted by the building official and town planner.
“We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking event,” the department said in a statement, urging anyone in need of emotional support to contact Newport Mental Health or local providers.
Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!
