Fall River Mayor Coogan says displaced Gabriel House residents doing well

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan has provided updates on the recovery from the tragedy at the Gabriel House this summer.

Ten people were killed in the fire on July 13 and several others were injured.

Coogan spoke with former residents this past Friday who said they are all doing well since the tragedy.

Wednesday, Coogan said they’re now waiting to go back and get the belongings that were left behind.

“We are anxiously awaiting for the fire inspector’s report,” said Mayor Coogan.

“Moving forward I’m hoping that there’s some new regulations out to make all assisting living safer across the commonwealth.”

Mayor Coogan went on to say the facility owner, Dennis Etzkorn, has been cooperating with the investigation.

Since the tragedy, multiple lawsuits have been filed against him.