FALL RIVER, Mass. — A devastating fire tore through an assisted-living facility late Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of nine residents and leaving at least 30 others injured. Eyewitness accounts revealed a frantic scene as some residents were seen calling for help from windows, while neighbors rushed to assist with rescues.
Firefighters assigned to the Gabriel House facility were met with heavy flames and thick smoke upon arrival just before 10 p.m. As an investigation into the cause of the fire gets underway, officials stated it does not currently appear suspicious. Many residents expressed outrage, claiming staff members did not adequately respond during the chaos.
“I thought I was going to die,” recalled Lorraine Ferrara, one of about 70 residents. After narrowly escaping her smoke-filled room, she watched as employees fled the building. “They left us alone and ran out into the parking lot,” she said, voicing her anger at the apparent lack of assistance.
The deceased, aged between 61 and 86, were identified by the Bristol County district attorney’s office. Among the victims was Kim Mackin, a talented musician remembered fondly by her family. Her nephew shared that Mackin was not only kind-hearted but a gifted artist who played in the Boston Philharmonic.
The Gabriel House, which opened in 1999, offers affordable living options for seniors. Its website assures prospective residents that help will be available in emergencies. However, following this tragedy, many are questioning the readiness of the facility’s staff.
District Attorney Tom Quinn called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and praised first responders for their efforts amid difficult circumstances. About 50 firefighters, half of whom were off-duty, responded to the scene, with police assisting in evacuation efforts. Five firefighters were hospitalized but later released.
Union leaders blamed staffing shortages for complicating the firefighters’ response. Edward Kelly, president of the firefighters union, noted that if more personnel had been present, they could have potentially mitigated damage and loss of life. Fire Captain Frank O’Reagan confirmed that he lacked breathing equipment upon arrival, leading him to risk his safety to search the building.
Mayor Paul Coogan defended the department’s staffing levels, stating they operated according to Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon’s recommendations. Meanwhile, the city continues to grapple with the fire’s fallout, as many survivors were relocated to a temporary shelter, still in shock over their losses.
As the investigation proceeds, concerns have been raised about the facility’s operational practices, including reports of insufficient fire drills and safety procedures. Paul Lanzikos, a former Massachusetts elder affairs secretary, highlighted these serious issues, calling for sweeping changes.
Fall River, a city long impacted by economic hardships, once thrived as a textile manufacturing hub. It currently faces numerous challenges, including high poverty rates and recent scandals among its leadership.
Survivors have reported traumatic experiences, with some lamenting the loss of their homes and belongings. One resident, Neal Beck, who had lived at Gabriel House for six years, described his recent rescue from his bathroom window. Former staff, like head cook Paul Ferreira, have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and their affection for the residents.
In response to the tragedy, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has offered state resources to support both the city and the affected families. Meanwhile, local agencies are working to find new homes for those displaced from the facility, emphasizing the crucial need for supportive housing options in the community.