Multiple people have died in a fire at an assisted living home in Fall River, Massachusetts, according to authorities. The fire chief called it “an unfathomable tragedy.”
Flames broke out around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the Gabriel House on Oliver Street. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames coming through the main entrance and several people hanging out of the windows, waiting to be rescued, according to Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon.
Several people were rushed to the hospital and five firefighters suffered minor injuries. The exact number of deaths is still not known.
There’s no word yet on how or where the fire started. About 50 firefighters were called in, including about 30 who were off-duty, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” Bacon said in a statement. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”
Families who had loved ones at the home can get more information at the chapel at St. Anne’s Hospital. They can also call 508-674-5741.
The Gabriel House has 100 single-bed units, according to its website and its official page on Mass.gov. According to the state fire marshal, about 70 people were living at the home before the fire.
Fall River is about 50 miles south of Boston and 20 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.
