A devastating fire tore through an assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, late Sunday night, killing nine people and injuring at least 30 others, authorities confirmed Monday. The blaze left many residents trapped, with some seen hanging out of windows screaming for help as flames engulfed the building.
The fire broke out at approximately 9:50 p.m. at Gabriel House, a 100-unit facility home to around 70 residents, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services. By early Monday morning, firefighters had extinguished the blaze and begun rescuing survivors. Many were hospitalized in varying conditions.
Jarren Oldrid described the harrowing moments trying to locate his 67-year-old father, Steven Oldrid, who was eventually found recovering from smoke inhalation at a local hospital. “It’s kind of just a whirlwind — trying to figure out what’s happening, how something like this could happen so quickly, so catastrophically,” he said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by both state and local officials.
More than 50 firefighters responded to the scene, including 30 who were off-duty at the time. Five firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and for the Fall River community,” said Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon. “Multiple people were hanging out the windows looking to be rescued.”
Nearby resident Joe Alves described watching in horror as rescue teams pulled bodies and burned pets from the building. “There were people in wheelchairs, a lot of people missing limbs. It was terrible,” he said, overcome with emotion.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey called the incident “a tragedy” and pledged full state support to the city and victims. “My heart goes out to those waking up to the most horrific news imaginable this morning,” she said. “I’m grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives.”
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan confirmed that the building’s owner is cooperating with the investigation and announced plans to secure the structure. “We’ll do whatever we have to do to help these people,” he said, referring to the displaced residents.
Police described their response in a statement, saying officers rushed into the burning facility “without hesitation,” breaking down doors and carrying out nearly a dozen non-ambulatory residents. “Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives,” the department said.
Gabriel House, which opened in 1999, is overseen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence. As of Monday morning, state officials had not released the facility’s most recent inspection records. The Associated Press reported that staff on site declined to comment.
The tragedy has left a deep scar on the Fall River community and sparked renewed calls for better oversight and emergency planning in long-term care facilities across the state.