Massachusetts Assisted Living Fire: 9 Dead
Tragedy Strikes Fall River: Fire at Assisted Living Facility Claims Nine Lives, Injures Over 30
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FALL RIVER, MA – A devastating fire at teh Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall river, Massachusetts, has resulted in the tragic deaths of nine residents and left more than 30 others injured, officials confirmed. The blaze, which erupted Sunday night, overwhelmed first responders with heavy smoke and flames, trapping occupants inside.
Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze, Rescue Efforts Underway
Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with a harrowing scene of intense fire engulfing the front of the building. ”Crews were met with heavy fire coming through the main entrance and multiple people hanging out the windows looking too be rescued,” stated Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon.
Approximately 50 firefighters from the Massachusetts fire department responded to the emergency at the Gabriel House facility, which housed around 70 residents. Firefighters worked tirelessly to rescue numerous occupants from the smoke-filled structure. Despite their efforts, multiple residents were pronounced dead at the scene, while many others were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries.
Firefighter Injuries and Witness Accounts
Along with the civilian casualties,five firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries while battling the inferno.
Joe Alves, a neighbor living near the facility, described the chaotic scene. “I was watching TV when I heard the wave of sirens and fire crews responding to the fire,” he recounted. Alves witnessed officials pulling bodies and injured pets from the building, with bystanders desperately attempting to provide aid. “There were people in wheelchairs, a lot of people missing limbs, it was terrible,” he said, visibly shaken.
Families Scramble for Information Amidst Devastation
the incident sent shockwaves through the community, with families rushing to the scene to ascertain the well-being of their loved ones. Leo Johnson, 45, of Fall River, recounted his frantic search for his 68-year-old mother, who resides on the top floor of Gabriel House. “I was kinda freaking out because she wasn’t one of the ones outside,” he told the Boston Globe. He eventually found her safe, though soaked from the activated sprinklers.
The Fall River Police Department commended the bravery of their officers, stating in a release, “Without hesitation, officers entered the smoke-filled facility, breaking down doors and escorting residents to safety. Approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents were physically carried out by our officers. Their bravery and rapid action undoubtedly saved many lives.”
The origin and cause of the fire remain under active investigation. Fall River, a city of approximately 94,000 residents, is located about 32 kilometers southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.
Reuters/AP