A horrific fire ripped through a Massachusetts assisted living facility on Sunday night, leaving nine residents dead and dozens more hospitalized in what officials are calling an “unfathomable tragedy.”
The blaze broke out at the Gabriel House in Fall River, a three-story senior living complex, trapping elderly residents inside as thick smoke spread rapidly through the halls. Desperate cries for help echoed from the windows as residents leaned out, pleading to be rescued.
“I thought that was the end for me,” said 79-year-old Loraine Ferrara, who was pulled to safety through her bathroom window. “There was no way out… I couldn’t see, I couldn’t breathe.”
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon described the harrowing scene as firefighters rushed to save those trapped. Despite their efforts, nine lives were lost, and nearly 30 others were injured, one critically.
The confirmed victims include… Rui Albernaz, 64, Ronald Codega, 61, Margaret Duddy, 69, Robert King, 78, Kim Mackin, 71, Richard Rochon, 78, Eleanor Willett, 86. Two additional victims… a 70-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man… have not yet been publicly identified.
Emergency crews transported victims to several nearby hospitals. Saint Anne’s Hospital, just steps from the facility, treated 15 individuals. Two of the most critically injured were later transferred to Rhode Island Hospital for advanced trauma care. By Monday, nine patients remained hospitalized in stable condition.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though authorities currently say it does not appear to be suspicious. The Massachusetts State Police and local investigators continue to probe the incident.
Firefighters’ unions have raised concerns about staffing levels, suggesting a shortage may have slowed both evacuation and firefighting efforts.
This devastating event has shaken the Fall River community, prompting an outpouring of grief and a growing call for improved safety protocols in senior care facilities.
