A five-alarm blaze at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, killed nine residents and injured over 30 others late Sunday night, according to state and local officials. The deadly fire, which broke out just before 10 p.m., left residents hanging out of windows and calling for help as firefighters rushed to the scene.
The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) confirmed the fire erupted at approximately 9:50 p.m. at the three-story facility on Oliver Street. When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy smoke and flames engulfing the main entrance, with multiple occupants trapped inside. Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon told reporters, "Crews were met with heavy fire coming through the main entrance and multiple people hanging out the windows, looking to be rescued."
About 70 people resided in the facility, which contains 100 residential units and has operated since 1999, according to the state Department of Health & Social Services. Roughly 50 firefighters-many of whom were called in while off duty-responded to the escalating situation, which quickly grew to five alarms by midnight.
"A lot of these people needed assistance just getting out of the building, and a five-star effort got as many people out as we could," Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said. Rescue teams worked through the night to bring residents to safety and suppress the flames, as more than 30 occupants were transported to local hospitals. The injuries to residents ranged in severity, and one person remained in critical condition on Monday morning.
Five firefighters were also hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. The Gabriel House website states the facility has 24-hour staffing, and Massachusetts law requires all assisted living facilities to "always have sufficient staff to handle emergencies and meet resident needs as required by resident service plans," according to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence.
Chief Bacon called the incident "an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community," adding, "On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning."
The Massachusetts State Police, Fall River Police Department, and State Fire Marshal's Office, along with the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, have launched a joint investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Code compliance officers from the Department of Fire Services are also involved. Officials have established a family notification center at the chapel of St. Anne's Hospital nearby, providing information to families seeking updates on their loved ones.
Authorities noted that the Gabriel House facility had about 70 residents at the time of the fire. "Unfortunately, at this time, we do have fatalities and multiple injuries," Chief Bacon said.
