Portsmouth Town Council mourns tragedy, supports investigation after staircase collapse

A tragic incident overshadowed the Portsmouth Town Council meeting on June 9, 2025, as council members expressed their condolences for a 15-year-old girl who lost her life during a graduation party at the Portuguese American Citizens Club. The event, which involved a staircase landing collapse, also left three others injured.

Council President Raynor opened the meeting with a moment of silence, emphasizing the community's grief and the importance of support for those affected. "We are going to work through this as a community," he stated, highlighting the availability of counseling services for students and staff at the local high school.

In a detailed response to the incident, Raynor confirmed that the Portsmouth Police Department is conducting an investigation. The town's planning department is reviewing all records related to the property, including past permits and inspections. "We want to be clear that we are not presuming any fault or failure," he noted, urging the community to avoid speculation while the facts are gathered.

The council also acknowledged the swift actions of first responders, who played a crucial role in managing the scene. Raynor commended their efforts, stating that their experience prevented a potentially worse outcome.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved on to routine business, including the approval of several peddler licenses and the acceptance of nominations for the 2025 Portsmouth Award, which recognizes community contributions. A public hearing regarding the proposed FY 26 Town budget is scheduled for June 11, further engaging the community in local governance.

The council's focus remains on healing and support for those impacted by the tragedy, with ongoing counseling services available as the community processes this heartbreaking event.