Nine Dead in Fire at Assisted Living Facility in Massachusetts

Kokcha News Agency – Nine residents of an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, have died in a fire that broke out at the facility.

The State Fire Department confirmed the deaths of nine people and stated that one injured person is in critical condition.

Fire Department Spokesman Jake Wark initially stated that they were awaiting updated information on the condition of some patients and therefore could not provide a complete count of fatalities and injuries.

Wark said, “This is a terrible tragedy for the city of Fall River and for the families (of the victims). Our hearts are with them this morning.” He stated in an email to Reuters that approximately 70 people resided at the facility before the fire.

According to Wark, approximately 50 firefighters responded to the fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility. The Fire Department Spokesman noted that firefighters rescued some individuals, but multiple nursing home residents died at the scene. An investigation is underway to determine the cause and origin of the fire.