Fall River, Massachusetts – A catastrophic fire tore through the Gabriel House Assisted Living Center on Sunday night, claiming the lives of nine residents and leaving 30 others injured in one of the deadliest fires in recent Massachusetts history. The city is reeling as families, first responders, and officials confront the heartbreaking aftermath of the blaze that ravaged a home to some of the community’s most vulnerable.
“In all my years of being a Fire Chaplain, tonight was the worst night of experiencing such loss of life,” said Rev. Michael Racine, Fire Chaplain for the Fall River Fire Department. His solemn words reflect the heavy toll this tragedy has taken on first responders and the entire city.
A Fire with Tragic Consequences
The blaze broke out Sunday night at Gabriel House, a nonprofit assisted living facility located in the heart of Fall River. With 100 single-bed units, the home housed around 70 residents at the time of the fire, according to the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.
As flames engulfed the building, many residents—elderly and with limited mobility—were trapped inside. Rescue operations were significantly hindered by numerous window air conditioning units, which blocked access and slowed entry for firefighters trying desperately to save those inside.
Despite the heroic efforts of Fall River firefighters, police, EMS, and staff, nine residents tragically lost their lives. The names of seven of the victims have been released:
•Eleanor Willet, 86
•Rui Albernaz, 64
•Ronald Codega, 61
•Margaret Duddy, 69
•Robert King, 78
•Kim Mackin, 71
•Richard Rochon, 78
Authorities have yet to publicly identify a 70-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man who also died in the fire, pending notification of their families.
Voices from the Aftermath
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey visited survivors the following afternoon and heard harrowing first-hand accounts of the fire. Many residents were either in bed or preparing for sleep when the chaos began.
“They were in their bed or they had just had their medication and they’re about to go to bed,” Healey shared. “They hear some noise and lights and shouting… a lot of them are immobile. They’re in wheelchairs or they have walkers. They can’t easily move, and they were disoriented.”
Healey also praised the first responders whose actions saved countless lives:
“Were it not for the heroic, brave work of our fire, police, and EMS, we would have seen much greater loss of life,” she stated.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with fire officials, local authorities, and state agencies combing through the debris for answers. The last recorded state inspection of Gabriel House was conducted on October 15, 2024, with the certificate set to expire on October 15, 2025.
Built as a sanctuary for low-income and elderly residents, Gabriel House has served the Fall River community since 1999, operating as a nonprofit with a mission of compassion and dignity. Sunday’s fire marked an unfathomable moment in its 25-year history.
🕯️ Community Mourning, Support Needed
As families grieve and survivors recover, Fall River is coming together to support those affected. Vigils are being planned, and city leaders are urging residents to contribute where possible—through donations, volunteerism, or simply offering comfort to those in mourning.
This tragedy has sparked renewed calls for examining the safety protocols in aging residential care facilities, especially for those with mobility limitations. Advocates are urging lawmakers and regulators to consider updated standards and additional protections to prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.
🙏 In Remembrance
To the nine lives lost—mothers, fathers, grandparents, neighbors—your memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved you. Fall River grieves with your families. And to the survivors, your strength inspires us. The road ahead is long, but the community walks it with you.
May the victims rest in peace, and may healing come to Fall River, one day at a time.
If you have any information or wish to support the survivors and their families, please stay tuned to local relief efforts and updates through official city and nonprofit channels.
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