By Crash News Writer 
Portsmouth, RI (June 20, 2025) — A tragic structural failure claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl and injured three others during a graduation celebration at a community club in Portsmouth on Saturday evening.
According to reports, emergency responders were dispatched to the Portuguese American Citizens Club on Power Street around 5:30 p.m. on June 15. Authorities say a portion of the building’s front stairwell suddenly collapsed, trapping multiple people underneath the debris.
Despite rescue efforts, the 15-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries. Two 17-year-old girls and a 49-year-old woman sustained injuries and were transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.
A building inspector has since been brought in to assess the stability of the structure, and officials are actively investigating what led to the collapse. The community is left reeling as authorities continue working to determine accountability.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.