Tragic fire at elderly care center predicted to claim over 50 lives, according to fire chief
In the heart of Fall River, Massachusetts, the community is still reeling from the aftermath of a tragic fire that broke out at the Gabriel House Assisted Living facility on Sunday, July 13, 2025, around 9:30 p.m. The blaze claimed the lives of nine residents, with more than 30 people injured, including five firefighters, and two still in critical condition as of Wednesday, July 16.
The fire rapidly spread through the three-story building, trapping many elderly, wheelchair-bound, and oxygen-dependent residents. The exact cause of the fire remains under active investigation, though authorities suspect it may have been due to an electrical or mechanical issue.
Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon indicated the fire started in a room on the second floor, but a definitive cause has yet to be identified. Investigators from the Massachusetts State Police Fire Investigation Unit and the State Fire Marshal’s Office have made "significant progress," reviewing scene evidence, witness interviews, and video footage. However, they have not yet identified a single definitive cause.
Local officials expect the investigation to continue for several more days before a conclusive determination is reached. Authorities are also closely reviewing inspection records for the facility, with the last city inspection completed in October 2024, and the certificate valid through October 2025. The facility was scheduled for a recertification and compliance review in November 2025.
The tragedy has prompted scrutiny of inspection practices and building safety protocols for assisted-living facilities, especially those serving vulnerable populations. The facility was equipped with sprinklers and smoke detectors, but the owner, Dennis Etzkorn, has reportedly stopped cooperating with authorities and has not responded to requests for comment from local media.
A memorial sits outside the facility where people brought flowers and candles to honour the victims. The city has announced it will add three more firefighters to each shift starting Wednesday night to ensure the safety of its residents.
The identity of the ninth victim, a 70-year-old woman, is not being released pending next of kin notification. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office identified the eighth victim that died in the fire as 77-year-old Joseph Wilansky.
This incident marks one of the deadliest building fires in Massachusetts in decades and has drawn significant attention to the safety and oversight of assisted-living facilities in the state. Mayor Paul Coogan and Fire Chief Bacon have praised the quick response of first responders, crediting their actions for preventing a much higher death toll.
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in mourning the loss of their loved ones and offering support to those affected by this devastating event.
While the investigation into the cause of the fire at the Gabriel House Assisted Living facility is ongoing, concerns about the safety and oversight of health-and-wellness facilities, specifically those catering to aging populations, have arisen. The tragedy has shed light on the importance of implementing comprehensive science-based aging research in such facilities to ensure the health and well-being of their residents. As the community continues to grieve, they also strive to learn from this heart-wrenching incident for the future safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.
