Local News
At least 9 dead, 30 hospitalized after fire at Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River
FALL RIVER, MA – July 13, 2025 – A devastating five-alarm fire broke out late Sunday night at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility on Oliver Street, resulting in multiple fatalities and a significant number of injuries, including several first responders.
Fire crews responded to the scene just before 10:00 p.m., finding the facility engulfed in heavy flames and smoke, with numerous residents trapped inside.
The structure, which housed approximately 70 residents, quickly became a scene of chaos and urgent rescue efforts.
According to Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, several residents were pronounced dead at the scene, while many others were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burn-related trauma.
Five firefighters were also injured during the response and taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“This is an extremely difficult night for our city,” Chief Bacon said. “Our crews did everything possible to save lives under very dangerous conditions.”
In total, approximately 50 firefighters, including 30 off-duty personnel who were recalled under a General Alarm and Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) declaration, responded to the scene.
EMS task forces were also deployed, and local hospitals were placed on high alert to prepare for the influx of patients.
Mayor Paul Coogan praised the heroism of first responders: “These firefighters went in with everything they had. They fought hard to rescue those residents and get the injured out. Their bravery undoubtedly saved lives.”
An emergency reunification center has been established at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital for families seeking loved ones.
Families are being directed to enter through the emergency room entrance for assistance.
State and local fire investigators, along with code compliance officials, are now on scene working to determine the cause of the fire.
While the cause remains under investigation, Mayor Coogan confirmed that the building was equipped with a sprinkler system, though its functionality at the time of the fire is still being assessed.
This incident remains under active investigation.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Local News
At least two killed, multiple trapped after explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol
BRISTOL, Pa. (Bucks County) — Emergency crews are responding to a major incident at the Silver Lake Nursing Home following a reported gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse.
The incident occurred at approximately 905 Tower Road, where a second alarm and a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response were requested as conditions escalated.
First-arriving units reported significant structural damage to the facility, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation for residents and staff.
Authorities on scene indicated that approximately 15 patients were initially accounted for outside the building, while multiple others remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams have reported numerous individuals trapped beneath debris on the second floor, as well as additional victims trapped in the basement area.
At least two fatalities has been reported in the basement, according to early emergency communications.
As the situation developed, a third alarm was transmitted, bringing in substantial mutual aid resources, including out-of-county fire, rescue, and emergency medical units. A medical helicopter has been placed on standby in anticipation of critical patient transport.
Emergency personnel continue to conduct systematic searches of the damaged structure while assessing stability concerns and coordinating patient triage.
The extent of injuries and the total number of victims have not yet been confirmed.
Road closures are in effect in the surrounding area as emergency operations continue. Officials have advised the public to avoid the scene to allow responders unobstructed access.
This remains a rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as more details are confirmed.