PORTSMOUTH – Authorities say a 15-year-old girl died and three other people suffered significant injury after a partial structural collapse at the Portuguese American Citizens Club during a graduation party on Saturday, June 7.
Officials said multiple people were trapped when a concrete stairwell leading into the Power Street building collapsed.
Police and fire crews from multiple communities responded to the scene where about 75 people had gathered for the evening celebration.
The injured included two 17-year-old girls and a 49-year-old woman. All were taken to Rhode Island Hospital. No identities were immediately released.
Gov. Dan McKee said on social media his office was closely monitoring the situation: “Our hearts are with the Portuguese community and all those impacted. I’m deeply grateful to the first responders and praying for everyone’s safety.”
Said U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo in a similar post: “My thoughts are with the family of the young victim killed and those injured in the tragic accident at the Portuguese American Citizens Club in Portsmouth this evening. Thank you to the first responders and local officials leading the response. My team stands ready to help in any way possible.”
The incident is under investigation.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Teenager dies, 3 injured in partial collapse at Portsmouth RI club