Fall River, Massachusetts — A terrible fire broke out at an assisted living home on Sunday night, killing nine elderly residents and injuring more than 30 others. The fire happened at the Gabriel House facility, where many seniors with health conditions lived.
Fire Started Suddenly
The fire began around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. People nearby saw smoke coming out of the building and called 911. Firefighters got to the scene quickly and found flames and thick smoke coming from the front of the building.
Many of the residents were trapped inside. Some of them were seen shouting for help from their windows. Firefighters rushed in with ladders, broke windows, and pulled people out as fast as they could.
Nine Lives Lost
Sadly, nine residents didn’t make it out in time. The victims were between the ages of 61 and 86. Some were veterans, others were retired artists and teachers. Families of the victims are devastated.
More than 30 people were injured. Some were taken to hospitals nearby. One person remains in critical condition. Five firefighters were also hurt while trying to rescue residents but are expected to recover.
Survivors Tell Their Stories
One woman, Lorraine Ferrara, said she hid in her room when the fire started and screamed for help. A firefighter eventually found her, broke the window, and carried her down a ladder.
Another man said he was helped out of a window by a construction worker who lived nearby and saw the fire before the emergency crews arrived.
Fire Department and Union Speak Out
Firefighters said the situation was made worse by low staffing levels. The firefighters’ union said if more firefighters had been on duty, they could have saved more people. They also questioned whether the home had working safety equipment like alarms and sprinklers.
The home had smoke detectors and sprinklers, but it’s not yet clear if they all worked properly. Officials are now checking whether everything was up to code.
Officials Respond
Fall River’s mayor, Paul Coogan, called the fire one of the worst tragedies in the city’s history. He thanked the firefighters and promised support for the families. Governor Maura Healey also said the state would help and that a full investigation is underway.
A reunification center was set up at St. Anne’s Hospital, where families could go to check on their loved ones and get updates.
What Happens Next?
Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the fire. They’ll look at things like faulty wiring, equipment issues, and whether the building was properly maintained. The results of the investigation could lead to safety changes for assisted living homes across the state.
This fire has raised serious concerns about how well our most vulnerable people—especially the elderly—are protected in emergencies.
