A devastating fire at an assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulted in the deaths of nine residents on Sunday night. The emergency response began shortly after 21:30 local time when calls to emergency services reported a fire at Gabriel House, home to approximately 70 individuals, many of whom required mobility assistance or oxygen support.
Despite the rapid arrival of nearly 65 firefighters and the involvement of “every police officer in the city,” officials confirmed that nine residents, aged between 61 and 86, lost their lives. The tragic incident has prompted an investigation into the cause of the fire, which authorities believe is not suspicious at this time.
Eyewitness Accounts Highlight Chaos and Desperation
As smoke rapidly filled the hallways, many residents found themselves trapped. Loraine Ferrara, one of the residents, shared her harrowing experience of being rescued through a bathroom window. “I thought I was dead… I couldn’t breathe,” she recounted to a local news affiliate.
Al Manza described the moment he opened his door, only to be met with thick smoke. “All that I could do was just stand there and choke,” he said, recalling how firefighters had to guide him to safety through the dense haze.
Firefighters employed ladders and broke windows to evacuate residents, with some air conditioning units being removed to facilitate rescues. “Everybody was rescuing people,” said Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, who noted the unique challenges faced by first responders due to the residents’ conditions. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy emphasized the critical need for assistance, stating, “Many were in wheelchairs. Many were immobile.”
Rescue Efforts Strained by Staffing Shortages
The scale of the rescue operation overwhelmed first responders. Audio recordings from the scene revealed that emergency personnel urgently requested additional support as they battled to save residents who were unconscious or unable to evacuate independently.
Michael O’Regan, a firefighter who responded while off duty, remarked on the chaotic scene he encountered. “When I got here, what I saw was everyone overwhelmed,” he said. He noted that some responders arrived without their breathing equipment, illustrating the urgency of the situation.
The Fall River Fire Department’s staffing levels have been criticized, with Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, stating that national standards for firefighting personnel were not met in Fall River. “Only two of Fall River’s 10 companies meet that standard,” he explained, highlighting the potential for a more robust response if staffing levels were adequate.
Background on Gabriel House and Investigation Updates
Gabriel House, established in 1999, was undergoing a compliance review set for November. The facility previously faced scrutiny regarding documentation issues but was recertified in December 2022. Owner Dennis Etzkorn expressed his devastation over the tragedy, stating, “Our thoughts are with every one of our residents, their families, our staff, and the brave first responders.”
Despite past legal troubles, including allegations of Medicare fraud and multiple settlements for sexual harassment, Etzkorn has pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Authorities have identified seven of the nine deceased residents, including Richard Rochon, a 78-year-old Vietnam veteran. His family emphasized the need for improved care for veterans, stating, “We as a country should take care of veterans better.”
As of Monday, approximately 30 residents were hospitalized, with one person reported in critical condition. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services confirmed that temporary housing has been arranged for those displaced by the fire.
The investigation into the cause of the fire continues, with a focus on ensuring the safety of assisted-living facilities across the state. The tragedy at Gabriel House serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by residents in such settings and the critical importance of emergency preparedness.
