Fire at US assisted living facility kills 9, injures 30
About 70 people live in the house, from which people were hanging out of windows and screaming for help
Nine people have died in a fire at an assisted living facility in Massachusetts, where people were hanging out of windows screaming for help, authorities said on Monday. At least 30 people were injured.
Firefighters responded to the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River at about 9.50pm on Sunday and were met with heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building, with occupants trapped inside, the state Department of Fire Services said in a news release. About 70 people live in the house.
The fire was out by Monday morning and firefighters were able to get inside and rescue numerous occupants. About 50 firefighters responded, including 30 who were off duty.
Many of those rescued were taken to local and regional hospitals in varying conditions. Five firefighters suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, the statement said.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” fire chief Jeffrey Bacon said.
He said “multiple people were hanging out the windows looking to be rescued”. Family members who showed up said police were trying to break windows.
