A dense column of smoke and llamas devouring the main facade. This is how the distressing minutes of the Fire that swept the residence on Sunday night Gabriel House, in Fall River (Massachusetts)leaving at least nine dead and dozens of injured, as the authorities confirmed on Monday.
The fire declared after 9:50 p.m. And, upon the arrival of emergency services, several residents were trapped inside the building. The head of the local Fire Department, Jeffrey Bacon, did not hesitate to qualify what happened as “An inconceivable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community. “
Several people hung from the windows
According to face -to -face witnesses, some of the occupants tried to go out through the windows at the impossibility of escaping through the halls full of smoke. “Several people hung from the windows looking to be rescued”Bacon explained to the media. From within the building, the sprinklers were activated, which soaked those who managed to leave on time.
One of the most tense moments was lived by Leo Johnson, a 45 -year -old neighbor, discovering that his mother, 68, was not among the evacuees. He finally located it soaked, but alive, in the middle of chaos.
Fall River police highlighted the performance of their agents, who did not hesitate to act despite the extreme conditions: “Without hesitation, the agents entered the enclosure full of smoke, knocking down doors and escorting residents to a safe place. Approximately a dozen non -ambulatory residents were physically charged by our agents. His courage and rapid action undoubtedly saved many lives. “
More than 50 mobilized firefighters
Up to 70 people lived in Gabriel House. The rapid mobilization of about 50 firefighters, including 30 that were out of service, was key to save dozens of lives. Several of the rescued were transferred in different states of gravity to nearby hospitals. At least five firefighters were injured, although none seriously.
The origin of fire, even under investigation
The fire was already extinguished on Monday morning. The causes are still investigated by state and local authorities, who have not yet given details about the focus or possible responsibility. The fire has shocked this town of about 94,000 inhabitants, located just 32 kilometers southeast of providence (Rhode Island).
