Massachusetts authorities said on Monday (July 14) that a fire broke out in an assisted living facility in the state, leading to the deaths of 9 people and injuring at least 30 others. The fire occurred on Sunday evening, with people seen shouting for help from the windows.
According to the state fire department’s press release, firefighters responded to the blaze at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, they found the front of the building engulfed in flames and thick smoke, trapping some individuals inside. Approximately 70 people resided in the building.
Around 50 firefighters were on site conducting firefighting and rescue operations, successfully extinguishing the blaze by early Monday morning. Firefighters managed to rescue several individuals from inside the building.
The incident resulted in 9 fatalities and at least 30 injuries, with the injured individuals being transported to hospitals. Among the injured are five firefighters who are currently not in life-threatening condition.
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon expressed that this was a tragedy that was difficult to bear for the families involved and the community of Fall River.
Bacon informed reporters that some individuals were seen leaning out of windows seeking help, while family members at the scene mentioned that authorities were attempting to break windows to rescue those trapped inside.
State and local authorities have stated that the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services, the Gabriel House has been in operation since 1999. The fire department noted that the three-story building comprises a total of 100 residential units.