8 hours ago
Last Updated:July 14, 2025, 20:09 IST
A fire at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River in Massachusetts killed nine and injured dozens, including five firefighters.
Acting swiftly, nearly 50 firefighters responded to the emergency, including 30 who were off-duty. (Image: X/@MassDFS)
At least nine people were killed and dozens others sustained injuries after a fire tore through an assisted living facility in Fall River city of Massachusetts late on Sunday night. Dozens of residents and five firefighters were also hospitalized, with several victims in varying conditions.
The blaze erupted at out around 9:50 pm (UK local time) at Gabriel House, a facility housing around 70 residents, according to BBC. When firefighters reached the spot, they found residents trapped inside the burning three-story building. Fall River is about 50 miles (80km) south of Boston and 20 miles from Providence, Rhode Island.
Acting swiftly, nearly 50 firefighters responded to the emergency, including 30 who were off-duty. The cause of behind the fire remains unknown. In the firefighting operation, five firefighters also got injured and were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community," said Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon.
About 50 firefighters went to the scene, including approximately 30 who were off-duty at the time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The town of Fall River is about 50 miles (80km) south of Boston and 20 miles from Providence, Rhode Island.
The local department of fire services issued a statement, saying “several occupants" were declared dead at the scene, with others rescued and taken to hospitals in varying conditions.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community," BBC quoted Fall River fire chief Jeffrey Bacon as saying..
Addressing reporters, Fall River mayor Paul Coogan stated the fire was mostly contained to one wing of the building equipped with sprinklers. However, smoke spread throughout the entire structure, he added.
“Smoke kills more people than fire does, every day in America," he said, adding, “I think the lesson that can be learned here is that you listen to your smoke detectors and react because smoke is a very deadly force."
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...
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New York, United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world Nine Killed, Dozens Injured As Fire Rips Through Old Age Home In US' Massachusetts
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