A late nigh blaze at Gabriel House leaves residents dead, dozens injured, and families devastated.
In a harrowing event that unfolded late Sunday night, a massive five-alarm fire tore through the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, killing nine residents and injuring over 30 more. The fire, which began shortly before 1- p.m., sent thick smoke and flames billowing into the air as emergency crews rushed to rescue trapped individuals from the burning building.
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Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon described the scene as an “unspeakable tragedy,” emphasizing the devastating toll the incident has taken on both the victims and the broader community. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” Bacon said in a statement.
Upon arrival, fire crews encountered a building engulfed in flames with multiple individuals trapped inside. Firefighters used ladders to rescue at least dozens residents while dozens more were quickly transported to area hospitals. According to Bacon, more than 30 residents sustained various injuries, and one person remains in critical condition. In addition, five firefighters were also hospitalized with minor injuries but have since been released.
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Approximately 70 people lived in the facility prior to the blaze. Many survivors were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. “When they evacuated, they had nothing,” said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “We have people at our stores right now buying underwear, T-shirts, clothing. There’s a place at the shelter for them to shower, and we are going to do our best to support them all day.”
The city quickly set up an emergency reunification center at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital, where family members could find information about their loved ones or call a dedicated hotline for updates. Bacon urged anyone seeking information to enter through the hospital’s emergency room for assistance.
In a significant recovery effort, the building’s medical records room was successfully salvaged, allowing authorities to begin the process of restoring essential documentation and medicine for the displaced residents.
Mayor Coogan praised the emergency response teams, noting that nearly 50 firefighter responded to the scene, including 30 who were off duty at the time. “These guys are top shelf,” Coogan said. “They did a great job doing whatever they could to save as many residents as possible.”
Chief Bacon added that while the bravery of firefighters is often celebrated, the emotional toll of such tragedies cannot be overlooked. “Everyone thinks firefighters are heroes, and they are just designed to be able to deal with anything, but that’s not the case,” he said. “I am a strong advocate for mental health support. Anyone at this scene should seek help to deal with a tragic situation like this. Nobody is programmed to deal with this.”
Despite the severity of the fire, officials noted that the building was equipped with a sprinkler system. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The incident has rocked the city of Fall River, leaving the community mourning and authorities committed to supporting those affected. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, officials are urging the public to remains vigilant and prioritize fire safety, particularly in facilities that house vulnerable populations like the elderly.
