‘Unfathomable tragedy’: Multiple dead in fire at Fall River assisted living facility, injured include firefighters
A large fire at Gabriel House an assisted living facility in Fall River took the lives of a yet unknown number of lives and injured others including responding firefighters This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River society stated Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning The fire chief disclosed when crews arrived on scene on Oliver Street residents were hanging out of windows waiting for rescue The response to the fire was massive with city firefighters responding including who were off-duty at the time The first responding companies observed heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building with occupants trapped inside leaders from the Department of Fire Services stated in a declaration Firefighters directly made entry rescuing numerous occupants while suppressing the fire Several occupants were declared dead at the scene and a great number of more were transported to hospitals in varying conditions On Monday morning the city began offering help families whose loved ones were residents at Gabriel House anyone seeking info should go to the chapel at St Anne s Hospital Agents stated the facility has residents As someone who was born and raised in the nearby sister city of New Bedford I know firsthand how hardworking close-knit and resilient the people of Fall River are announced State Rep Steve Xiarhos I have multiple friends and family in the area and my heart is with the entire society during this incredibly complex time While news continues to unfold one thing is clear this is a heartbreaking moment for so various I m especially grateful to the first responders who acted with courage and compassion in the face of such a terrible situation The fire remains under research This is a emerging news story stay with NEWS on-air and online for the latest details
