Portsmouth officials offer condolences, counseling and a records review after fatal staircase collapse at Portuguese American Citizens Club

Portsmouth officials expressed condolences and described immediate local steps after a staircase landing collapsed at the Portuguese American Citizens Club during a graduation party, killing one person and injuring three others.

Town Administrator Mr. Raynor briefed the council and the public and said the town is “fully supporting the Portsmouth Police Department’s investigation into the incident” and that planning department staff are assembling and reviewing town records related to the property, including permits and inspections. Raynor asked the public to avoid speculation: “We wanna be clear that we are not presuming any fault or failure on the part of any individual or entity,” he said, adding that hidden structural failures can occur without visible signs.

Raynor said the town’s planning staff met to coordinate the records review and that the town will compile available public records and provide an update at the next council meeting. He also said school and emergency-management channels have activated grief counselors and that counseling is available at the high school for students and staff.

Councilors commended first responders for their on-scene work. Several council members and the town called for patience and compassion as the community processes the loss.

No formal council action was taken at the meeting on the cause of the incident; Raynor said the town is focused on gathering facts and public-safety concerns and will not speculate about liability while the police investigation continues.

Why this matters: The collapse resulted in a local fatality and multiple injuries; the town is coordinating an administrative records review alongside an active police investigation and has mobilized counseling resources for students and staff.