A catastrophic fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility has resulted in nine fatalities and over 30 individuals being hospitalized as residents were seen appealing for help. The incident, which took place overnight, saw residents seen from windows calling for assistance, according to authorities.
Firefighters were called to the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River at approximately 3:50 p.m. on Sunday night, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) confirmed to Fox News Digital. Upon arrival, they found the front of the building engulfed by flames and heavy smoke, prompting them to immediately begin rescue operations while working to suppress the fire, officials said. Around 50 firefighters responded to the emergency and were able to put out the fire – which had grown to five alarms – by Monday morning.
Several individuals were declared deceased at the scene, while over 30 people were transported to a local hospital with varying degrees of injuries, according to officials. Five firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while one individual remains in critical condition. The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Approximately 70 people reside in the assisted living facility, raising questions about the safety measures in place at such establishments.
The incident is part of a string of recent disasters, including a powerful explosion at a California fireworks facility that left seven missing and evacuation orders still in place, as well as a fire on a boat near Cape Canaveral where passengers were rescued. Another fire in New Jersey, following a ‘gigantic explosion,’ led to two deaths and a criminal investigation. These events are being closely monitored by authorities, who are working to ensure such tragedies are not repeated in the future.