Our Detective Division is currently investigating the incident to determine whether there are any criminal factors involved.”

Portsmouth Police Chief Brian Peters

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth Police have released more details about the circumstances around Saturday night’s partial building collapse that led to one girl's death during a graduation party at the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club on Power Street.

“The incident involved a concrete landing located at the top of the exterior stairway on the north side of the building,” police said in a press release that went out Monday afternoon. “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.”

The 15-year-old, who attended Portsmouth High School student, was killed in the collapse. Her name is not being released at this time “out of respect for the family,” Police Chief Brian Peters said in a phone interview Monday. The 17-year-old remains in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital.

In addition, three individuals who had been standing on the landing sustained injuries. A 19-year-old woman from Little Compton was treated and released from the hospital, a 49-year-old woman visiting from Merrillville, Ind., remains hospitalized with serious injuries, and a 46-year-old Portsmouth man suffered a minor injury and was not hospitalized, according to police. 

“From what we can gather, about five individuals were on top of the platform when it collapsed. Two individuals were impacted by the platform from down below,” Peters said in an interview. “The deck was not overcrowded at the time.”

Under investigation

“Our Detective Division is currently investigating the incident to determine whether there are any criminal factors involved,” Peters said. “We want to know when those stairs or landing were built or installed. And, we’re going to see what were the building codes in place at the time and if those building codes were followed.”

The owners of the building would be ultimately responsible for its safety and upkeep, he said. “I know it’s a club, so we have to look at how they’re set up, and the structure.”

Peters said the police investigation, which will include assistance from the R.I. Attorney General’s Office, is separate from a review into the circumstances of the building collapse that's being carried out by the town planner and building official. (Earlier Monday, Building Official Matthew Kent said he could not comment on the matter, referring all questions to the police.)

“We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking event and encourage anyone affected by this tragedy to seek support,” police said in the press release. “Resources are available through Newport Mental Health and local services providers.”

Newport Mental Health can be reached at 401/846-1213 or newportmentalhealth.org.