FALL RIVER, MA (LOOTPRESS) – A devastating five-alarm fire ripped through the Gabriel House assisted-living facility late Sunday night, killing nine residents and sending more than 30 others—including five firefighters—to area hospitals, city officials confirmed Monday.
Fire crews were dispatched to the facility around 9:50 p.m. following reports of a fire. The blaze quickly escalated, requiring a five-alarm response and mobilizing approximately 50 firefighters, including 30 off-duty personnel called in to assist.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” said Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon during a Monday press briefing. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”
The fire tore through the residential facility with alarming speed, leaving residents and emergency responders little time to react. First responders managed to evacuate dozens of residents, but nine people were unable to escape the flames.
Officials reported that at least 30 individuals were hospitalized in varying conditions. Among the injured were five firefighters who sustained non-life-threatening injuries while battling the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as local and state officials continue to assess the scene and assist displaced residents.
Fall River officials are urging the public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts as the community reels from the tragic loss.
