Massachusetts nursing home staffing accused of fleeing instead of helping elderly residents escape
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A survivor of a Sunday blaze that tore through an assisted living facility in Massachusetts has claimed that staff members abandoned the burning scene leaving the elderly residents to fend for themselves – while another said that workers didn’t even knock at doors to alert the seniors as the flames spread.

Resident Lorraine Ferrara, 70, told the Associated Press of her shock to see staff running away from the fire that ultimately killed 9 people and injured dozens more at Gabriel House in Fall River. 

“They left us alone and ran,” Ferrara said. “I was hanging out the window — ‘Help! Help!’ — and they just kept running.”

Fire survivor

Michael Pimentel, center, a resident at the Gabriel House assisted living facility, in Fall River, Mass., receives assistance from an emergency medical worker outside a temporary shelter on July 14, 2025, in Fall River, following a fire that started late Sunday. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

About 50 firefighters responded to the scene at around 9:50 p.m., including 30 who were off duty. Police also helped break down doors and carried about a dozen residents to safety. Five injured firefighters were released from the hospital Monday.

Edward Kelly, president of the national firefighters union, said eight additional firefighters would have been on scene if national staffing recommendations were followed.

Capt. Frank O’Reagan said there was no breathing equipment available when he arrived, so he started going door to door on the third floor without an air tank until the smoke got to him.

O’Reagan’s brother and fellow firefighter Michael O’Reagan said he was shocked that 40 minutes after firefighters arrived, a large part of the building had not been searched.

“We did the best we could with what we had, and what we had was not enough,” said Michael O’Reagan, president of the Fall River firefighters union.

Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts

A fire broke out at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Nine people were killed and more than 30 were injured.  (WPRI)

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials said it did not appear suspicious, 

Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon told Boston 25 News that staffing levels is not unique to Fall River and that municipalities across the Commonwealth face similar concerns.

“The crews were faced with an incredibly difficult situation. A fire is a difficult situation, a rescue is a difficult situation,” Bacon said. “When you combine the two at the level this call asked for, it was almost an impossible situation.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago-area immigration activity: Video shows federal agents break car window, detain driver in Addison; protest held

Federal Agents Smash Car Window to Detain Driver in Addison, Sparking Local Protest

In Chicago, the atmosphere turned tense on Sunday as a group of…
Hurricane Melissa strengthens to Category 5 as it nears Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa Intensifies to Category 5, Approaches Jamaica with Increased Force

Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a formidable Category 5 storm as it…
'Framework' reached for trade deal with China: Treasury Secretary

Treasury Secretary Announces Preliminary Framework for Trade Agreement with China

On Sunday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States…
AARP Florida creates petition against proposed JEA natural gas plant

AARP Florida Launches Petition to Halt Proposed JEA Natural Gas Plant Expansion

AARP Florida is raising concerns about the potential impact on utility customers…
Officer's swift actions save 11-year-old during mental health crisis on interstate overpass

Heroic Officer Rescues 11-Year-Old from Interstate Overpass Amid Mental Health Crisis

Footage captured by a body camera reveals an officer’s composed approach as…
Coroner's report suggests Elliott Smith's death wasn't a suicide

New Coroner Findings Question Previous Beliefs About Elliott Smith’s Death

Elliott Smith’s music was characterized by soft whispers and quiet confessions, weaving…
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro says he would 'rather die' than use generative AI

Guillermo del Toro Takes Bold Stance Against Generative AI in Filmmaking

Guillermo del Toro has long been vocal in his skepticism towards technological…
Charles Spencer originally planned very different eulogy for Princess Diana

Unveiled Secrets: Charles Spencer’s Surprising Original Eulogy for Princess Diana

Charles Spencer recently reflected on the emotional journey of delivering the eulogy…