Nine people dead, 30 hospitalized in Fall River assisted living fire

Christopher Boardman,

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Nine people are dead and at least 30 others are hospitalized with one in critical condition following a massive fire at an assisted living facility, according to Fall River Fire Department officials.

The entirety of the Fall River Fire Department was at the scene overnight after arriving on Oliver Street at 9:30 Sunday night, when alarms first went off at the Gabriel House assisted living facility.

Fire crews from Fall River and neighboring municipalities arrived to heavy fire at the entrance and 12 people hanging out of windows to be rescued.

Multiple victims were also rescued, some triaged on scene, and others taken to area hospitals.

36 firefighters were immediately on the initial scene, with the number climbing to 50, 30 of whom were off-duty at the time.

The entirety of the Fall River Police Department was also at the fire.

Several victims self-transported to area hospitals including Saint Anne’s and Charlton Memorial Hospitals in Fall River, as well as Saint Luke’s in New Bedford.

Several victims were moved to Rhode Island Hospital.

Five firefighters also sustained minor injuries but are expected to recover and officials are planning to offer mental health services for all first responders.

If you are looking for a loved one family reunification center has been set up at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River.

The center is the chapel at the hospital and you can enter through the emergency department.

You can also call 508-674-5741 to reach the reunification center.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan called the deadly fire a terrible situation for the entire community, and said, though they keep an eye on the facility that serves just more than the elder community, this fire was unthinkable.

Categories: Fall River, Massachusetts, News

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