9 dead in Massachusetts assisted living facility fire, officials say | FOX 35 Orlando

9 dead in Massachusetts assisted living facility fire, officials say

Nine people have died in a fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts. Fire officials told reporters Monday that people were hanging out of windows screaming for help. At least 30 people were injured.

Massachusetts fire

What we know:

Firefighters responded to the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River at about 9:50 p.m. Sunday where they encountered heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building, with residents trapped inside, according to the state Department of Fire Services news release. About 70 people live in the house.

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The Associated Press reported that roughly 50 firefighters responded to the fire, including 30 who were off-duty. Police also helped knock down doors and carried about a dozen residents to safety. Five injured firefighters were released from the hospital Monday.

According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence, Gabriel House opened in 1999 and has 100 units. Citing the website, the Associated Press reported that the facility promotes studio apartments "for those seniors who cannot afford the high end of assisted living" and group adult foster care within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and churches.

Dennis Etzkorn, the facility’s owner, declined to comment Monday, but officials told the AP that Etzkorn is cooperating with the investigation. 

Citing officials, the Associated Press reported that rescued people were taken to local hospitals.

Fire officials assess the damage from a blaze at a Massachusetts assisted living facility on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of FOX Media Cloud)

"This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community," said Chief Jeffrey Bacon.

Bacon told reporters, "Multiple people were hanging out the windows looking to be rescued." Family members who showed up said police were trying to break windows.

Firefighters are on the scene of a fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of FOX Media Cloud)

In a statement from the Fall River Police Department obtained by the AP, the agency said,"Without hesitation, officers entered the smoke-filled facility, breaking down doors and escorting residents to safety. Approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents were physically carried out by our officers. Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives."

The dead ranged in age from 61 to 86, authorities said. 

The Bristol County district attorney’s office identified seven of the deceased as Rui Albernaz, 64; Ronald Codega, 61; Margaret Duddy, 69; Robert King, 78; Kim Mackin, 71; Richard Rochon, 78; and Eleanor Willett, 86. 

What we don't know:

The identifications of a 70-year-old woman and 77-year-old man were still pending notification of family.

Fire officials assess the damage from a blaze at a Maryland assisted living facility on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of FOX Media Cloud)

Massachusetts governor releases statement

What they're saying:

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she offered state assistance to the city’s mayor, and an investigation was underway, according to the Associated Press. 

"The fire at Gabriel House in Fall River is a tragedy. My heart goes out to those who are waking up to the most horrific news imaginable about their loved ones this morning," Healey said in a statement. "I’m grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives."

Fall River has a population of 94,000 people and is roughly 20 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island.

Fire officials assess the damage from a blaze at a Maryland assisted living facility on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of FOX Media Cloud)

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Associated Press, who cited comments from fire officials about the incident.  This story was reported from Washington, D.C. 

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