Nine people died and 30 were hospitalized after
fire swept through an assisted-living facility
in Fall River, Massachusetts late Sunday evening, authorities said.
An alarm was pulled at The Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility at about 9:50 p.m., and firefighters arrived to find “heavy fire coming out the front door, with
multiple victims hanging out the window to be rescued
,” Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon told reporters, many of them screaming for help.
About 50 firefighters rushed to the scene, including
30 who were off-duty
, the state Department of Fire Services said in a statement Monday morning. The
entire Fall River Police Department
also responded, WLNE-TV reported.
“Without hesitation, officers entered the smoke-filled facility, breaking down doors and escorting residents to safety,” the City of Fall River Police Department said in a statement. “Approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents were
physically carried out by our officers
. Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.”
First responders also flooded in from surrounding localities, including Rhode Island. Fall River, population about 94,000, is about 20 miles southeast of Providence.
Some victims were found dead in the building, and
others died en route to or at the hospital
, WJAR-TV reported.
About 70 residents lived at the complex, which includes independent-living units as well as assisted living. It opened in 1999 and has 100 units, WJAR said.
Families described a chaotic scene as they struggled to find loved ones. A family reunification center was set up at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River.
Gov. Maura Healey expressed condolences and offered assistance, WJAR noted.
“The fire at Gabriel House in Fall River is a tragedy,” she said in a statement. “My heart goes out to those who are waking up to the
most horrific news imaginable about their loved ones
this morning. I’m grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives.”
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” Bacon said. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”
With News Wire Services
