‘Horrible’: 9 dead in fire at Fall River assisted living facility, dozens injured, including firefighters

A large fire at Gabriel House an assisted living facility in Fall River took the lives of nine and injured others including responding firefighters This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River area disclosed Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning The fire chief reported when crews arrived on scene on Oliver Street residents were hanging out of windows waiting for rescue The response to the fire was massive with city firefighters responding including who were off-duty at the time The first responding companies observed heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building with occupants trapped inside bureaucrats from the Department of Fire Services announced in a message Firefighters straightaway made entry rescuing numerous occupants while suppressing the fire Nine individuals were killed in the blame specific in the facility and certain after being transported The Fall River fire department established that over people were brought to the hospital and at least people were rescued over ladders Officers declared the facility has residents At least one person remained in critical condition Monday morning This isn t what we re designed to do here declared Bacon We re here to save lives and any time that any life is lost a single life that s lost is a tragedy in our minds it s a failure of our job We know that there are forces beyond our control and things like this unfortunately happen It still makes it arduous to talk about and to think about and to fathom really for anybody On Monday morning the city began offering help to families whose loved ones were residents at Gabriel House anyone seeking info should go to the chapel at St Anne s Hospital It s horrible Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan stated This is the kind of thing you don t want In the middle of July Sunday night and the city explodes around it A tragedy like this it s not good for anybody but with the right people in place you re able to maintain a level of control and a level of safety for all the residents WATCH Fall River fire chief mayor speak about fatal fire in assisted living home Area leaders expressed their condolences to the families of those impacted as the news broke Monday morning As someone who was born and raised in the nearby sister city of New Bedford I know firsthand how hardworking close-knit and resilient the people of Fall River are noted State Rep Steve Xiarhos I have several friends and family in the area and my heart is with the entire district during this incredibly arduous time While news continues to unfold one thing is clear this is a heartbreaking moment for so countless I m especially grateful to the first responders who acted with courage and compassion in the face of such a terrible situation My thoughts are with the residents families and staff impacted by the heartbreaking fire at Gabriel House assisted living Fall River City Council member Cliff Ponte disclosed I am holding everyone affected in my prayers To our brave firefighters EMTs and police officers thank you Your courage and dedication in the midst of chaos and danger are truly commendable The fire remains under examination This is a emerging news story stay with NEWS on-air and online for the latest details