Nine Dead in MA Fire at Assisted Living Facility Called 'Unfathomable Tragedy'

Nine individuals lost their lives late Sunday evening when a care home was engulfed in flames in Fall River, Massachusetts, according to authorities. Elderly residents were seen pleading for assistance from emergency personnel as thick smoke filled the structure.

The death toll at Gabriel House was verified on Monday morning by Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, who stated that "more than 30" individuals were transported by ambulance to local hospitals, including one person in severe condition.

"Several victims were clinging to the windows, yelling and pleading for assistance and rescue," Bacon said to journalists near the building.

Authorities quickly offered no specific information about the injuries sustained by occupants. "Some individuals died inside the structure and others passed away following their transport," Bacon stated.

The fire department official stated that five emergency responders were removed from the location with "mainly slight injuries" and have now been discharged. The closest medical facility, Saint Anne’s is within a short distance of Gabriel House.

Approximately 50 fire personnel - among them 30 who were not on shift – Bacon stated that they joined the rescue operation after an automated alert system initiated the emergency call, noting, "All of the city's police officers were present as well, and everyone was helping to save lives."

"Many of these individuals required help exiting the building, and a top-tier response managed to evacuate as many people as possible," said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan.

Neal Beck, a 78-year-old local inhabitant, Neal Beck, an 78-year-old individual living in the area, Neal Beck, a senior citizen aged 78, Neal Beck, a person who resides at the age of 78, Neal Beck, a 78-year-old member of the community, told the Boston Globe He was dragged out of the window of his apartment on the third floor.

I was simply hoping I would manage," Beck said to the newspaper. "I considered leaping out of the bathroom window, but thankfully I didn't since it's very tall.

A woman was talking on the phone with her father—a resident stuck at Gabriel House—while he attempted to locate an exit. told affiliate WCVB .

He was lying on the ground speaking with me, and I was weeping, urging him, 'Shatter the glass. Attempt to shatter it,' since he was extremely frail and unable to do so.

She informed WCVB that she managed to guide firefighters to her father's position so he could be saved.

On Monday, cleanup teams were observed securing windows and taking away crates from the structure. Bacon mentioned that these containers held patients' medicines that had been tainted by smoke and will now be thrown out.

The Gabriel House has been functioning since 1999, The Gabriel House has been active since 1999, Since 1999, the Gabriel House has been operating, The establishment known as Gabriel House has been running since 1999, For over two decades, the Gabriel House has been providing services starting from 1999. according to The State Department of Health and Social Services. Approximately 70 residents were residing in the three-story structure when the fire occurred, according to the Department of Fire Services. said .

The Massachusetts State Police is helping with the inquiry regarding the origin of the fire. They have contacted the facility's operator for a statement.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey went to the location early Monday morning.

All of these individuals required help," Healey stated during a news briefing. "As you observed, several were using wheelchairs. Many could not move around. Several had oxygen equipment. Their condition was very serious.

The Gabriel House website says It features round-the-clock personnel. Assisted living centers in Massachusetts "are required to consistently maintain adequate staff to manage crises and fulfill resident requirements outlined in their care plans," according to The Office of Senior Services and Autonomy.

The firefighter commander stated that he is certain the rapid actions of initial emergency personnel preserved lives.

"I commend their actions, but I extend my deepest sympathy to the families of those who were hurt, particularly the nine individuals who died," Bacon stated.

"This is an unimaginable sorrow for the affected families and the people of Fall River," Bacon stated in a previous written message.

The head of the fire department refused to comment on a potential reason for the fire.

We're still at the beginning of the inquiry," Bacon stated. "One of the riskiest actions we can take is to make assumptions.

This is an ongoing situation and will be revised.

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