A deadly fire tore through an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday night, July 13.
The Fall River Fire Department said the fire caused multiple injuries and fatalities at the Gabriel House home on Oliver Street, ABC6 reported.
The first alarm was sounded at around 9:50 pm, WJAR reported, as heavy smoke poured out from the building.
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said people were hanging out of the windows hoping to be rescued when his crews first arrived at the scene, The Herald News reported.
“The fire attack was very quick, it was just a very smoky fire,” Bacon said at a press conference in the early hours of Monday morning, July 14.
“Unfortunately at this time we have multiple fatalities and multiple injuries, and we are still working to get those numbers to you.”
He added: “Our heart goes out to all the families and people that were injured here and lost their lives here.”
Those evacuated from the home were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.
Videos from the scene posted to social media showed dozens of firefighters and other emergency service personnel at the scene, entering the building and removing residents from the immediate danger.
The City of Fall River set up a Notification Center for families whose loved ones were residents at Gabriel House, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said.
“Anyone seeking info should go to the chapel at St. Anne’s Hospital,” said the fire services’ post on X.
Families can also call 508-674-5741 for information.
This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
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