The Portsmouth Police Department today (June 9) provided the following update regarding the fatal structural collapse that took place on Saturday at 35 Power Street.
Fatal Structure Collapse – News Release
Portsmouth, RI — (June 9th, 2025) — At approximately 5:34 PM on June 7, 2025, officers from the Portsmouth Police Department responded to 35 Power Street for a report of a structural collapse with multiple injuries. Upon arrival, officers joined personnel from the Portsmouth Fire Department already on scene. The incident involved a concrete landing located at the top of an exterior stairway on the north side of the building, which led to the second-floor entrance of the Portuguese American Club. The landing detached from the building and collapsed downward, ultimately settling perpendicular to the ground and trapping two juveniles beneath it, a 15-year-old female and a 17-year-old female, both from Portsmouth.
Tragically, the 15-year-old juvenile lost her life as a result of the collapse. The 17-year-old remains in critical condition at the hospital.
In addition to this tragic loss, three individuals that had been standing on the landing sustained injuries. A 19-year-old female resident of Little Compton was treated and released from the hospital, a 49-year-old female resident of Merrillville, Indiana remains hospitalized with serious injuries, and a 46-year-old male resident of Portsmouth suffered a minor injury and was not hospitalized.
Out of respect for the privacy of the families, the name of the deceased juvenile will not be released at this time. Similarly, the names of those injured are being withheld during their ongoing recovery.
The Portsmouth Police Detective Division is currently investigating the incident to determine whether any criminal factors were involved. We have asked the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to assist us with this investigation. The criminal investigation by the Detective Division is separate from the review being conducted by the building official and the town planner.
We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking event and encourage anyone affected by this tragedy to seek support. Resources are available through Newport Mental Health and local service providers.
