9 People Killed in Fall River Assisted Living Fire

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River claimed the lives of nine people Sunday night.

Five firefighters were also transported for medical care, although their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

In a joint release from the Fall River fire and police departments, along with the offices of the State Fire Marshal and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon called it “an unfathomable tragedy” at the Gabriel House on Oliver Street.

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

In a Facebook post, Fall River Fire Chaplain Father Michael Racine called it “the worst night of experiencing such loss” in all of his years of being a fire chaplain.

The fire department responded at about 9:40 p.m. to the reported fire and arrived to find heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building with occupants trapped inside. Chief Bacon told the media that people were hanging out of the windows waiting to be rescued. There were about 70 residents of the facility at the time of the fire.

A Fall River Police Facebook post indicated that several patrol officers were first on the scene at about 9:40 p.m.

“Without hesitation, officers entered the smoke-filled facility, breaking down doors and escorting residents to safety,” police posted. “Approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents were physically carried out by our officers. Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.”

Arriving firefighters also immediately entered the building and rescued numerous occupants while battling the fire, authorities said.

“The fire went to five alarms, drawing about 50 firefighters to the scene, including about 30 who were off-duty,” according to the authorities.

Several occupants of the facility were declared deceased at the scene. Authorities said “many more” were transported to local and regional hospitals “in varying conditions.” In a Monday morning press conference, the authorities said nine people had perished as a result of the fire.

A family notification center has been set up at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital. Families seeking information on residents can call (508) 674-5741 or use the Emergency Room entrance to access the center.

The fire remains under investigation by the Fall River Fire Department, Fall River Police, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Bristol County D.A.’s Office.