A late-night fire tore through an assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday, leaving nine people dead and more than 30 others injured, including five firefighters.
Officials said the blaze broke out around 9:50 p.m. at the Gabriel House assisted-living center and quickly escalated to a five-alarm fire. About 50 firefighters, including 30 who were off-duty, rushed to the scene to battle the flames.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” said Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon in a statement Monday morning. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”
The injured were transported to area hospitals in varying conditions. The five firefighters who were hurt suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Local authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire as the community grapples with the loss of life at one of the city’s senior care facilities. Further updates are expected as more details emerge.