Finger-pointing has begun after nine people died and dozens were hurt in a fire at a Massachusetts assisted-living facility, with questions over whether there…
Finger-pointing has begun after nine people died and dozens were hurt in a fire at a Massachusetts assisted-living facility, with questions over whether there were enough firefighters to respond and whether staff did enough to help.
Questions have also arisen about the facility’s safety and disaster preparedness, after it was previously cited by the state for failing to report numerous health and safety incidents.
Here’s what to know about the blaze, its victims, and how authorities and residents have reacted in the aftermath.
Firefighters responded to the Gabriel House in Fall River, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Boston, at about 9:50 p.m. Sunday and were met with heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building.
The fire trapped residents inside, including some who were hanging out windows screaming for help, authorities said Monday. At least 30 people were hurt.
About 50 firefighters responded to the scene, including 30 who were off-duty. Police helped break down doors and carried about a dozen residents to safety. Five injured firefighters were released from the hospital Monday.
The blaze’s origin and cause are under investigation, and the Bristol County district attorney’s office said Monday the cause “does not appear to be suspicious.”
The Gabriel House is an assisted-living facility that opened in 1999 and has 100 units, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence. The facility’s website promotes studio apartments “for those seniors who cannot afford the high end of assisted living,” as well as group adult foster care within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and churches.
