Survivors of a fatal fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River filed a lawsuit alleging that the sprinkler system was non-functional. The facility allegedly permitted residents to smoke in their rooms, posing a significant safety risk due to the presence of medical oxygen. Investigators suggest the fire's cause may be linked to electrical or mechanical failure related to an oxygen concentrator or careless smoking practices. The suit names the facility, its owner, and the fire safety company responsible for maintenance, citing issues with staffing and training as well.
The lawsuit alleges that the sprinkler system didn't work at the facility the night of the fire, among other safety concerns. Survivors claim that the facility allowed residents to smoke in their rooms, which was a significant safety violation given the presence of medical oxygen.
Investigators narrowed the likely cause of the fire to 'electrical or mechanical failure' involving an oxygen concentrator or 'improper use or disposal' of smoking materials in a resident's room. First responders arrived at Gabriel House July 13 to a five-alarm blaze with flames erupting from the front door and residents trapped at the windows.
The suit names the facility, its owner Dennis Etzkorn, and Fire Systems, the company responsible for fire safety installations. Allegations include knowledge of residents smoking in rooms where oxygen was present, and issues with staffing and training were also reported from residents and employees.
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