A tragic fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulted in multiple fatalities on the night of October 8, 2023. Emergency responders arrived at the scene of the blaze at the Gabriel House, where they found residents in distress, some reportedly “hanging out the windows” pleading for rescue.
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon described the chaotic scene to reporters, stating, “Crews were met with heavy fire coming through the main entrance and multiple people hanging out the windows, looking to be rescued.” The fire department confirmed that there are fatalities, although the exact number has not been disclosed.
Emergency services worked diligently to evacuate residents, many of whom required assistance due to their age and physical conditions. Chief Bacon noted that five firefighters sustained injuries while responding to the incident, but they were classified as “mostly minor.”
In a statement following the event, Paul Coogan, the Mayor of Fall River, praised the efforts of the emergency responders. “A lot of these people needed assistance just getting out of the building, and a five-star effort got as many people out as we could,” he remarked.
As of now, officials have not released detailed information regarding the injuries sustained by residents. Authorities continue to assess the situation as investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.
Community Response and Investigation
The incident has left the local community in shock, with many expressing their condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. Local officials are coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to determine the cause of the fire and to ensure that all safety protocols were followed at the facility.
The Gabriel House, known for providing care to elderly residents, has been a part of the Fall River community for several years. The extent of the damage and the full impact on the residents and their families is still being evaluated.
As investigations progress, updates will be provided to the public regarding the findings and any further developments related to this heartbreaking event.
This tragedy underscores the importance of fire safety in residential facilities, particularly those that house vulnerable populations. Emergency services are urging all care facilities to review their fire safety protocols and ensure that residents are equipped to respond in case of emergencies.
