At least nine people lost their lives and over 30 were injured in a devastating fire at an assisted-living facility near Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday night. The blaze erupted around 9:30 p.m. at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, a city located about 60 miles south of Boston.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said during a press conference on Monday.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they were met with harrowing sights. “Some people were hanging from windows,” Chief Bacon described. Approximately 50 firefighters responded to the emergency, working tirelessly to rescue residents from the burning building.
The facility, which provides support to older adults living independently with staff assistance, housed about 70 residents. Several were pronounced dead at the scene, while many others were transported to nearby hospitals. One individual remains in critical condition.
Jake Wark, spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, confirmed that the city has opened a temporary shelter for surviving residents. Five firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the rescue efforts.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Authorities are focused on determining how the blaze started and ensuring that surviving residents receive the care and support they need in the aftermath of this tragic event.
