Portsmouth Police investigating after a 15-year-old girl was killed in a partial building collapse

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — The Portsmouth Police Department said it is investigating alongside the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office after a 15-year-old girl was killed in a partial building collapse on June 7.

Just after 5:30 p.m. on June 7, police responded to a structural collapse with multiple injuries at the Portuguese American Citizens Club.

Portsmouth police said the concrete landing at the second-floor entrance detached from the building and “collapsed downward,” trapping two teenagers underneath it.

A 15-year-old girl from Portsmouth died from the collapse. The other trapped teenager, a 17-year-old, remains in critical condition.

Three people who had been standing on the landing were injured as well.

A 49-year-old woman, of Merrillville, Indiana, remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

A 19-year-old woman from Little Compton was taken to the hospital, but later released.

A 46-year-old man, of Portsmouth, sustained a minor injury, but was not hospitalized.

Portsmouth police said it is withholding the identity of the 15-year-old girl “out of respect for the privacy of the families.”

Additionally, police said the names of the injured individuals will not be released during their recovery.

Portsmouth police are investigating to see if any criminal factors were involved.

Building officials and the town planner are conducting a separate review of the incident.

A memorial is growing at the scene in memory of the 15-year-old girl.