FALL RIVER, Mass. — A devastating fire at an assisted-living facility resulted in the deaths of nine individuals and left at least 30 others injured after flames swept through the building late Sunday night. Eyewitness accounts detail harrowing scenes of trapped residents calling for help as firefighters battled thick smoke and intense heat to rescue them.
Emergency crews responded to the Gabriel House on Sunday night around 9:50 p.m., facing a rapidly spreading blaze that engulfed significant sections of the structure. The Bristol County district attorney’s office stated that investigators currently do not believe the fire’s cause to be suspicious, although their inquiry is ongoing.
Residents who experienced the chaos shared stories of narrow escapes. Lorraine Ferrara recounted being alerted by a neighbor pounding on her door as smoke filled her hall. Unable to move through the dense smoke, she retreated to her room where hot water from malfunctioning sprinklers added to her distress. She eventually opened a window and sang out for help, prompting a firefighter to rescue her.
As she was carried to safety, Ferrara expressed a mix of gratitude and anger toward the facility’s staff. “They just ran,” she said. “I was hanging out the window screaming for help.”
Those who perished in the fire ranged in age from 61 to 86. Identified victims include Rui Albernaz, 64; Ronald Codega, 61; and Eleanor Willett, 86, among others. Austin Mackin, the nephew of victim Kim Mackin, remembered her as an extraordinarily talented musician with a profound impact on those around her.
Constructed in 1999, Gabriel House provides affordable assisted-living options for seniors. Its official website promises support for those in need during emergencies, a commitment now under scrutiny following this tragic incident. Dennis Etzkorn, the facility’s owner, is reportedly cooperating with officials as they investigate the fire.
Local officials praised the efforts of first responders, some of whom were off-duty but rushed to assist. Despite these commendable actions, a firefighters union criticized staffing levels, suggesting that more personnel could have made a difference. The Fall River firefighters union expressed concerns about chronic understaffing, a result of budget cuts affecting the fire department over the years.
Mayor Paul Coogan defended the current staffing decisions, indicating that they align with requests from the fire chief. “We staff the fire department at the number the chief asked for,” he said, emphasizing that safety measures will be a focus in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Witnesses described the scene as harrowing. Joe Alves, a nearby resident, saw firefighters and police officers assisting in rescue efforts, removing individuals in wheelchairs and even pets from the building. Clever Parra, a construction worker, joined neighbors in helping residents escape, illustrating a community’s courage amid chaos.
As survivors were relocated to temporary housing, many faced the heartbreaking reality of lost belongings. Rescue efforts provided immediate needs such as food and basic medical supplies, while displaced residents grappled with their new circumstances. Neal Beck, a resident rescued from his bathroom window, remarked on the uncertainty of his future, sharing that he had experienced homelessness before and feared it again.
Many community members, including those who worked at Gabriel House, voiced their grief and concern for the residents they had come to view as family. Paul Ferreira, a former head cook, felt the weight of loss deeply, uncertain about the future for the vulnerable population he had served for years.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the need for stringent safety measures in care facilities, particularly those that support vulnerable populations. Advocates for the elderly have raised alarms about potential deficiencies in emergency protocols and staff training at facilities like Gabriel House.
As the city begins to rebuild from this tragedy, community leaders and state officials pledge to support the affected residents and investigate the circumstances leading to such a catastrophic event.