FALL RIVER, Mass. — A fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River claimed the lives of nine individuals and sent 30 others to the hospital, according to the city’s fire chief. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence on Oliver Street, where firefighters faced heavy smoke and desperate residents in need of help.
Fall River Fire Department Chief Jeffrey Bacon confirmed the fatalities during a news briefing on Monday morning, expressing his deep condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. Some victims perished at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries at local medical facilities. Among the hospitalized, one person remains in critical condition. Five firefighters were treated for minor injuries and have since been released.
Emergency responders, including police, fire, and EMS teams, worked diligently to evacuate dozens of residents from the facility, which was home to 69 individuals. Governor Maura Healey, who visited the scene, praised the efforts of first responders, stating that their prompt actions likely prevented further loss of life. Mayor Paul Coogan echoed this sentiment, commending the emergency crews for their exceptional performance under such harrowing conditions.
Bacon acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy on the community. “This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” he said, extending heartfelt condolences to those grieving. Eyewitness accounts revealed chaos as residents tried to escape, with some calling relatives for assistance as they faced life-threatening situations.
Officers from the Fall River Police Department arrived early on the scene and systematically rescued individuals by breaking down doors to access those trapped inside. A statement from the department noted that many non-ambulatory residents were carried to safety by officers, emphasizing the bravery displayed during the crisis.
The fire escalated to five alarms, mobilizing about 50 firefighters, including many who were off-duty at the time. While damage was confined to one wing of the building, smoke permeated the entire facility. Governor Healey described the devastation, lamenting the fear experienced by trapped residents in the darkened building.
Displaced survivors are now being housed in local shelters, with a reunification center set up at the Timao Center. The Gabriel House, which opened in 1999 and has 100 units, is aimed at helping older adults live independently with some assistance. The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the state fire marshal’s office.
This incident marks the deadliest fire in Massachusetts in nearly four decades, famously rivaling a 1984 disaster in which 15 people died in Beverly. The tragedy has transformed the local landscape, leaving families and the community to process the profound loss experienced overnight.