Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jul 14: A devastating fire ripped through the Gabriel House assisted living center in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday night, leaving multiple fatalities and injuries, according to Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon.
The blaze, which broke out at the 100-bed facility located at 261 Oliver Street, prompted a large-scale emergency response, with around 50 firefighters battling the intense flames. Fire crews arrived to find residents hanging out of windows, desperately seeking rescue from the rapidly spreading fire.
“It was a very smoky fire, and we witnessed several people needing immediate rescue. Multiple victims were pulled out and rushed to the hospital,” said Chief Bacon during a press briefing Monday.
While the exact number of casualties is still being determined, Bacon confirmed “multiple fatalities and multiple injuries”, including five firefighters who sustained minor injuries during the operation.
Swift Response Amid Chaos
• The fire was declared a multiple-alarm incident, prompting mutual aid support from surrounding areas.
• Emergency personnel are considering deploying heavy machinery to partially demolish sections of the building in order to reach stubborn hotspots.
• Rescue efforts were hampered by thick smoke and difficult conditions, but firefighters managed to save many trapped residents.
“Our hearts go out to all the families and individuals affected by this tragedy,” Bacon added. “The firefighting team acted quickly, but the scale of the incident was immense.”
Relief Measures in Place
• A family reunification center has been established at the chapel at St. Anne’s Hospital.
• An estimated 69 residents were living at the facility at the time of the fire.
• Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan confirmed the city opened the Timao Centre shelter on Bay Street to house evacuated residents overnight.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Investigators from the Fall River Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's Office have launched a probe and are expected to spend the coming hours examining the scene.
This marks one of the most tragic incidents in the city in recent memory, with local authorities and emergency services working around the clock to bring clarity and support to those affected.