Rhode Island graduation party turns tragic as building collapse leaves 15-year-old dead and more injured

A happy graduation celebration at the Portuguese American Citizens Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, turned into a terrible tragedy on Saturday, June 7, 2024, when part of the building suddenly collapsed. The accident caused the death of a 15-year-old girl and seriously injured three other people. The collapse happened around 5:34 PM local time, shocking the entire community.

At the time of the incident, about 75 people were inside the club attending the party. CBS News reported that the collapse involved a concrete stairwell that broke away from the main building, trapping several people under the wreckage. Emergency crews, including police and firefighters from Portsmouth and nearby towns, rushed to the scene after receiving multiple calls about people being trapped.

People reported that the rescue effort was difficult, with some people being freed quickly while others remained stuck for a long time. One person required around 45 to 50 minutes of specialized rescue work to free her from under the heavy concrete. This involved carefully stabilizing and lifting the collapsed part of the stairwell. Two 17-year-old girls and a 49-year-old woman were among those rescued and taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence with serious injuries.

A teen girl died in Rhode Island building collapse

The 15-year-old girl, who was a student at a Portsmouth public school, sadly died from her injuries. A memorial service was held for her on Sunday, June 8, giving the community a chance to mourn and support the family. A local pastor, though he did not know the victim personally, offered prayers for the family and those hurt in the accident. The community came together, offering prayers and visiting the injured in the hospital, showing kindness during this painful time.

The Portuguese American Citizens Club released a statement expressing deep sadness and recognizing the unimaginable tragedy that had struck their community. They spoke about how proud they were to provide a place for community events and celebrations.

The club thanked first responders and law enforcement for their quick action and help. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also shared a message of support, expressing sympathy for the Portuguese community and everyone affected by the collapse. He thanked first responders and offered prayers for everyone’s safety.

Building collapses are uncommon but they usually involve many injuries. The nightclub that collapsed in the Dominican Republic lead to high-profile funerals, and it seems like this collapse will also come with a funeral.

After the accident, the collapsed stairwell was removed to help with the ongoing investigation into what caused the collapse. The Portsmouth building inspector is leading the investigation. Early reports ruled out a car crash as the cause, but the investigation will work to determine exactly what led to the structural failure. Authorities have not yet released the name of the teenager who died or provided detailed updates on the condition of the injured people still in the hospital.