At Least 9 Dead, 30 Hospitalized After Assisted Living Facility Fire

At least nine people died and 30 were hospitalized after a fire tore through the Gabriel House Assisted Living Residence in Fall River, Massachusetts, Sunday (July 13) night, fire officials confirmed to WJAR early Monday (July 14) morning.

“We do have fatalities and multiple injuries,” said Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon while discussing the blaze.

Five fire fighters responding to the blaze were also reported to have experienced injuries. The facility is reported to be the home of an estimated 70 residents.

The bodies of several casualties remained inside the facility as of Monday morning, Fall River Mayor Paul Coogen confirmed to WJAR. At least one of the individuals hospitalized was reported to still be in critical condition.

The cause of the fire, which was contained to one wing of the facility, has not yet been determined and an investigation is ongoing.

“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” Bacon said via WJAR. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”

Fall River is the second-largest municipality in Benton County and is the tenth-largest city in the state of Massachusetts.