Multiple deaths and injuries were reported after a fire broke out in an assisted living center in Massachusetts, a spokesperson for the U.S. state’s fire department said.
“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” said Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon in a statement. “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 fire took place on Sunday, July 13, at Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, which is around 50 miles south of Boston, where around 70 people resided before the fire, according to Wark.
Firefighters responded to the scene at 9:50 p.m. local time and immediately began rescuing people inside the building while suppressing the fire, according to a press release published by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Monday morning.
Approximately 50 firefighters, including 30 who were off-duty, responded to the incident.
USA TODAY has contacted Massachusetts Department of Fire Services for more information.
More news: 2 women dead after Kentucky church shooting; suspect killed by police
Firefighters and residents transported to hospital
Firefighters rescued numerous occupants, but multiple residents were declared dead at the scene, while many others were transported to hospitals, including five firefighters who had non-life-threatening injuries, he added.
In a press conference July 14, Bacon said one of the people transported is in critical condition. Five Fall River firefighters were also taken to area hospitals with minor injuries.
“Families seeking information on residents can call 508-674-5741 or use the Emergency Room entrance to access the center,” the press release stated.
The city opened the Timao Center shelter on Bay Street and residents who were evacuated to the shelter stayed there Sunday evening, said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan.
The fire department has also set up a family reunification center at Saint Anne’s Hospital in the chapel.
How many people were killed or injured in the fire?
The number of people injured or killed has not been released to the public.
“We are withholding the exact number pending updates on some patients’ conditions. This is a terrible tragedy for the City of Fall River and the families involved. Our hearts are with them this morning,” Massachusetts fire department spokesperson Jake Wark told Reuters in an emailed statement.
The Fall River Fire Department, Fall River Police and State Police are investigating the cause of the fire.
This is a developing story.
Contributing: Gnaneshwar Rajan and Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Chopra, Reuters
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Multiple dead after fire at a senior living facility in Massachusetts
