A five-alarm fire at Gabriel House assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulted in nine fatalities and over 30 injuries. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames upon arrival at 9:50 p.m., with several residents trapped inside. All nine victims were residents of the facility. The fire caused limited structural damage but extensive smoke damage throughout the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Five firefighters were among the injured, and approximately 50 responders were at the scene.
Firefighters responding to the Gabriel House assisted-living facility were met with heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building upon their arrival around 9:50 p.m. Sunday. At least one person taken to the hospital was in critical condition, Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said. All nine fatalities were residents of the assisted-living facility. Multiple residents were pronounced dead at the scene.
The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation. The fire damage was limited to one wing, but there was extensive smoke damage throughout the building.
This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community," said Bacon. The facility had about 70 residents. About 50 firefighters responded to the scene.
Tom Cabral, 64, told The Post he was asleep at Saint Anne's Hospital, across the street from Gabriel House, when he was suddenly awakened at 10 p.m. Sunday as blue and red flashing lights flooded through the window. "It was mayhem out here," said Cabral.
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