Nine die in tragic fire at Gabriel House assisted living facility

In Fall River, Massachusetts, a devastating fire broke out at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility, on a Sunday evening in late 2024, resulting in the tragic loss of nine lives and injuring thirty others. The building housed around seventy residents at the time of the incident, leaving many individuals without a place to stay. The city quickly established a temporary shelter at the Timao Center on Bay Street, providing essential supplies and emotional support to the displaced residents. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan informed the public that most survivors had been relocated to shelters by Monday night after the unfortunate event. Local business owners and community members demonstrated remarkable solidarity, rallying their support for the victims through fundraising efforts, with organized relief initiatives led by individuals like Sharron Furtado, who launched a GoFundMe page to gather monetary donations for the survivors. The building department of Fall River released inspection certificates for Gabriel House following the fire, although the documents did not reveal any conditions inside the facility. Notably, there was a gap in inspection records from 2006 up until October 2024, which raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of the premises. While the last inspection occurred just before the fire, it failed to highlight potential hazards. Reports from employees and residents pointed to critical health and sanitation issues, including an infestation of mice and cockroaches, as well as broken elevators that left some residents trapped in their rooms. Despite these alarming conditions, another employee claimed to be unaware of any issues. Earlier inspections had revealed problems that prompted a corrective action plan, requiring better training for caregivers and improved cleaning protocols for medication storage. The local fire chief, Jeffrey Bacon, was confronted with questions regarding the adequacy of staffing within the department, leading to discussions about applying for grants for more firefighters. The ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire and conditions within the facility has drawn attention to broader issues relating to fire safety regulations and oversight in assisted living homes. This tragic incident has not only taken a toll on the victims and their families but also exposed shortcomings in facility management and fire response. The community’s response showcased the resilience and unity of Fall River, with residents coming together in support of those affected. It emphasized the importance of financial assistance over material donations, reflecting the immediate needs of survivors who faced a long road to recovery after losing their homes and loved ones.