Nine Dead, Dozens Injured in Fall River Assisted Living Fire

By Tiffany Williams –

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Nine people are dead and dozens more were injured following a devastating five-alarm fire that tore through the Gabriel House assisted living facility on Sunday night.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and encountered a chaotic and dire situation. Flames had spread through the building, and multiple residents were seen at windows, calling for help as heavy smoke filled the air.

Authorities said approximately 12 non-ambulatory residents were physically carried out of the building by Fall River police officers. Firefighters and EMS personnel worked quickly to evacuate and treat others on scene.

In total, 30 people were transported to area hospitals, including five firefighters. One resident is listed in critical condition. All five firefighters have since been released. The building, which housed around 70 residents, has been fully cleared.

As of Monday, it remains unclear if the building’s sprinkler system activated during the incident.

The cause of the fire is under active investigation. Officials have not commented on the origin of the fire, and no cause has been determined at this time.

According to city tax records, the Gabriel House facility was built in 1964 and underwent exterior renovations in 2000. As of February 2025, the structure was assessed to be in “average-good” physical condition.

Fall River is located approximately 50 miles south of Boston, near the Massachusetts–Rhode Island border.

“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,” Governor Maura Healey said. “I’m grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives. We are all praying for those who lost loved ones and for the full recovery of those who were injured. I’ve expressed my condolences to Mayor Coogan and offered the full assistance of the state. A full investigation is already underway. I know the people of Fall River are strong and resilience, and now is the time for us to all come together to support one another through this terrible tragedy.”

A family notification center has been set up at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital nearby. Families seeking information on residents can call 508-674-5741 or use the Emergency Room entrance to access the center.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.