Nine people dead in fire at Massachusetts assisted living facility.
Nine individuals lost their lives in a devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, which occurred late Sunday night. Eyewitness accounts revealed scenes of chaos, as residents were observed hanging out of windows and calling for help. In addition to those who perished, at least 30 others sustained injuries during this tragic incident.
Emergency responders received the call to the assisted living facility at approximately 9:50 PM. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered thick smoke and flames engulfing the front of the building, which houses around 70 residents. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services reported that the fire was ultimately extinguished by early Monday morning, allowing firefighters to conduct rescue operations within the structure.
A significant response was mobilized, involving around 50 firefighters, including 30 who were called in while off-duty to assist with the emergency. Many residents were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of varying injuries. Among the first responders, five firefighters sustained injuries, though their conditions were deemed non-life-threatening.
Chief Jeffrey Bacon of the Fall River Fire Department called the incident an “unfathomable tragedy” impacting both the affected families and the broader community. He confirmed that multiple individuals were seen trying to escape through windows and highlighted the courageous actions of police officers who entered the smoke-filled building without hesitation, breaking down doors to guide residents to safety.
Family members of residents expressed their distress and fear as they rushed to the scene. Leo Johnson, a local resident, anxiously sought his 68-year-old mother who resides on the top floor of the facility. Fortunately, he later found her outside, drenched due to the activation of fire sprinklers during the incident.
The police department reported that approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents had to be physically carried to safety by officers. Their quick decision-making and bravery were instrumental in preventing further loss of life.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by state and local authorities. Fall River, which has an approximate population of 94,000, is situated about 20 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island. This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting responses of support and concern from local leaders and residents alike. The families affected by the incident now face the overwhelming grief of loss in the aftermath of this fire.
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