Tragic Fire At Fall River Assisted Living Facility: 9 Lives Lost and 30 Injured—What Happened?

Tragedy struck Fall River on Sunday night when a devastating fire erupted at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility, leading to the deaths of nine people and injuring over 30 others. Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon called it “an unfathomable tragedy” for the families and the community.

Emergency services were alerted just before 10 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames, with many residents trapped inside. Victims ranged in age from 61 to 86, highlighting the vulnerability of the facility’s population.

The Bristol County District Attorney has identified some of the deceased, including Rui Albernaz (64), Ronald Codega (61), and Eleanor Willett (86). Sadly, two others remain unnamed as their families have not been notified. Many injured residents were taken to local hospitals, with some having serious conditions requiring advanced care in Providence.

Witnesses described a scene filled with chaos and fear. One resident, Jarren Oldrid, expressed his concern for his father. “It’s a whirlwind of trying to figure out what’s happening,” he said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Chief Bacon remarked that incidents with this level of tragedy are rare in Massachusetts, mentioning he hadn’t seen anything like it in his career. “This is generational,” he noted.

Gabriel House has served the community for over 20 years, housing around 70 residents at the time of the fire. The facility offered affordable options for seniors but has since faced scrutiny. Some residents reported that staff did little to help during the crisis. “They just ran,” said Robert Cabral, criticizing the lack of assistance.

Many residents struggled to escape, with some needing rescue through windows. This was made more difficult by air conditioning units blocking exits. Chief Bacon explained the challenges firefighters encountered: “It takes multiple firefighters just to safely get one person out.”

Some survivors, like Lorraine Ferrara, faced harrowing moments as they fought to escape the flames. Ferrara recounted how a firefighter saved her life by breaking a window, stating, “I thought there was no way out.”

The response from first responders included around 50 firefighters, some who came in on their day off. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan praised their dedication. He addressed concerning comments about understaffing which were raised by union leaders, affirming that the department was operating based on the fire chief’s recommendations.

In the aftermath, Chief Bacon stressed the importance of mental health support for emergency workers who responded to the scene. “Firefighters aren’t just heroes; they need support too,” he emphasized.

Displaced residents are currently being housed at the Timao Center. The city is coordinating aid in terms of clothing and medical supplies, with state officials working closely to support those affected.

The facility’s owner, Dennis Etzkorn, has been cooperative with authorities. The Gabriel House passed a safety inspection last October, indicating compliance at that time. However, past legal troubles cast a shadow on his management style: he faced charges in 2012 related to a kickback scheme, which were later dismissed.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey visited the site and remarked on the first responders’ expertise, noting it was a miracle more lives weren’t lost. “We’re here to assist in rehousing this vulnerable population,” she said.

The community remains in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, raising questions about safety and preparedness in facilities for the elderly.

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