FALL RIVER, Mass. (WWLP) – Nine people have died and at least 30 others were injured in a fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility Sunday.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, the fire occurred at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River at about 9:50 p.m. When crews arrived, heavy smoke was seen coming from the front of the building, with people trapped inside.
Firefighters were able to rescue many of the occupants while battling the fire, which was out by Monday morning. About 70 people live in the house.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” said Chief Jeffrey Bacon. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”
He told reporters that “multiple people were hanging out the windows looking to be rescued.” Family members who showed up said police were trying to break windows.
The Fall River Police Department, in a statement, said that “without hesitation, officers entered the smoke-filled facility, breaking down doors and escorting residents to safety.
“Approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents were physically carried out by our officers. Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.”
Several residents at the facility were taken to local and regional hospitals. Five firefighters were taken for minor injuries.
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said one issue they are facing is getting the residents the medicine they need, reported Nexstar’s WPRI.
“When they were evacuated, they had nothing,” Coogan told WPRI. “We have people at our stores right now buying underwear, T-shirts, clothing, there’s a place [at the shelter] for them to shower, so we are going to do our best to support them all day.”
Bacon told WPRI on Monday morning that the facility’s records room had been salvaged, so all patient information, including medical records, was being moved.
Describing the scene as “chaotic,” Coogan praised the first responders.
“These guys are top shelf,” he told WPRI. “When they get down there into a situation where they have to fight, they’re willing to fight, and they did a great job doing whatever they could to save as many residents as possible, get the injured out.”
About 50 firefighters responded, including 30 who were off-duty.
“We have a very strong and powerful public safety presence here in the city of Fall River, and it worked the way it was supposed to, to save lives,” Bacon told WPRI.
“Everyone thinks firefighters are heroes, and they are just designed to be able to deal with anything, but that’s not the case,” he continued. “I am a strong advocate for mental health support, and I would say that for anybody who was at this scene last night, to seek the help that you need to deal with the tragic situation like this. Nobody is programmed to deal with this.”
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued a statement, issuing condolences and offering assistance.
“The fire at Gabriel House in Fall River is a tragedy. My heart goes out to those who are waking up to the most horrific news imaginable about their loved ones this morning,” Healey said. “I’m grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives. We are all praying for those who lost loved ones and for the full recovery of those who were injured.
“I’ve expressed my condolences to Mayor Coogan and offered the full assistance of the state. A full investigation is already underway,” Healey continued. “I know the people of Fall River are strong and resilient, and now is the time for us to all come together to support one another through this terrible tragedy.”
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Fall River Fire Department, Fall River Police, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Bristol DA’s office. Coogan told WPRI that the building was equipped with sprinklers.
A family notification center has been set up at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital, and families seeking information on residents can call 508-674-5741.
Fall River, which has a population of about 94,000, is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.
Melanie DaSilva, Raymond Baccari, Ethan Logue, Lauren Brill, Joe Cortese and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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