FALL RIVER, Mass. — A tragic fire at an assisted living facility has resulted in multiple fatalities, prompting a swift and intense emergency response late Sunday night, according to officials. Firefighters were called to the Gabriel House shortly before 10 p.m., where they found heavy smoke and flames engulfing the entrance and reports of residents trapped inside.
Approximately 70 individuals reside at the facility, and early into the operation, responders faced harrowing scenes with occupants calling for help from windows. By morning, the blaze was under control, but several victims were discovered deceased at the scene, while many others were evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Around 50 firefighters, including several who were off-duty, participated in the rescue efforts. Authorities reported that five firefighters sustained injuries, but none were life-threatening. Chief Jeffrey Bacon of the Fall River Fire Department described the incident as an “unfathomable tragedy” for both the families affected and the local community.
Onlookers witnessed distressing scenes as some residents were seen hanging out of windows, desperately looking for salvation. Family members arrived at the scene, watching in despair as police broke windows to facilitate rescues. Leo Johnson, a local resident, expressed his anxiety as he rushed to find his 68-year-old mother, who lives on the top floor. Fortunately, he located her outside, drenched but unharmed due to the activation of the facility’s sprinkler system.
First responders from the Fall River Police Department also played a crucial role in the rescue operation. Officers entered the facility without hesitation, breaking down doors and guiding residents to safety. Their bravery is credited with saving numerous lives, as many non-ambulatory residents were physically carried to safety by the officers.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire, working to determine the factors that led to this devastating event. Meanwhile, the community of Fall River, home to roughly 94,000 residents, has come together to support those impacted by the tragedy as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.