Fall River Assisted-Living Fire Kills Nine, Injures Dozens

A devastating fire at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, claimed the lives of nine residents, aged 61 to 86, and injured about 30 others. Firefighters faced extremely difficult conditions, rescuing many residents by ladder while battling heavy smoke and flames, with smoke causing the most significant danger. The cause of the fire is under investigation, though officials say it does not appear suspicious and may have been electrical or mechanical in nature. Reports emerged that inadequate staffing may have hindered the emergency response, a point disputed by city officials, while some residents criticized facility staff for failing to help during the crisis. The building, which had 100 units and housed about 70 residents at the time, was equipped with sprinklers and smoke detectors, though it remains unclear if all systems functioned properly. State and city officials, including Governor Maura Healey and Mayor Paul Coogan, have promised a thorough investigation into the tragedy, as the community mourns the significant loss.