Nine Lives Lost in Massachusetts Assisted Living Fire

A devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, has resulted in the tragic deaths of nine residents. The incident occurred on the evening of October 8, 2023, when firefighters arrived around 21:50 local time to find heavy smoke and flames engulfing the front of the building. Many residents were trapped, calling for help from windows.

Approximately 70 individuals reside at the facility, which provides care for the elderly and those with disabilities. By the time the fire was extinguished early the following morning, firefighters had rescued numerous occupants, but not without significant challenges. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services reported that about 50 firefighters, including 30 who were off-duty, responded to the emergency.

Emergency responders transported many of those rescued to local and regional hospitals, where they were treated for a variety of conditions. Five firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries while battling the blaze.

“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” stated Chief Jeffrey Bacon of the Fall River Fire Department. He described the harrowing scene, noting that “multiple people were hanging out the windows looking to be rescued.”

Among those affected was Leo Johnson, who rushed to the facility searching for his 68-year-old mother, a resident on the top floor. He expressed his panic when he could not find her among those outside. Fortunately, he later discovered her safe, albeit soaked from the building’s sprinklers.

In a statement, the Fall River Police Department praised the swift actions of their officers, who entered the smoke-filled building without hesitation. They broke down doors and physically carried approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents to safety. “Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives,” the statement read.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with both state and local authorities examining the scene for evidence. Fall River, home to around 94,000 residents, is situated approximately 32 kilometers southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.

As the community mourns the loss of life and the impact of this tragedy, officials have committed to providing support to affected families and ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.