Investigation Launched into Gabriel House Fire After History of Safety Violations
The Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, MA, faces scrutiny after a fire killed nine residents, revealing a pattern of unreported safety incidents.
Nine deaths in fire at Massachusetts assisted living facility
Washington Examiner
Nine killed in fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility
Associated Press
Overview
- A fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, MA, resulted in nine deaths and over 30 injuries, prompting an investigation into the facility's safety practices.
- The assisted living center had a history of failing to report health and safety incidents, raising concerns about its operational standards prior to the fire.
- Five men and four women lost their lives in the blaze, with one person hospitalized in critical condition and five firefighters injured.
- The facility, last inspected on October 31, 2023, was cited for multiple deficiencies, including late reporting of safety incidents and missing documentation.
- Residents reported inadequate staffing during the fire, with only two or three staff members present to assist during the emergency.
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Analysis
$center-leaning sources frame the fatal assisted-living fire by immediately highlighting the facility's history of regulatory deficiencies and late incident reports. They emphasize calls from advocacy groups for increased investigation and oversight, detailing concerns about staffing and fire drills. This collective editorial approach suggests the tragedy was potentially preventable, stemming from systemic failures rather than an isolated incident.
"The report did not specify the total number of incidents, or provide any details about what they involved."
ABC News"The report did not specify the total number of incidents, or provide any details about what they involved."
Associated Press"Nine people have been killed and dozens are hurt as a fire tore through an assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, officials said."
ABC News"At least nine people have been killed after a fire swept through an assisted living facility in Massachusetts, and dozens of other residents and five firefighters have been taken to hospital."
BBC News"A tragedy in Fall River, Massachusetts, as a deadly fire tore through an assisted living facility on Sunday night."
NBC News"This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community."
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FAQ
Gabriel House had a documented history of failing to report more than two dozen health and safety incidents promptly. Its last state inspection in October 2023 revealed seven deficiencies, including missing documentation and late reporting of safety incidents. The facility also suffered from conditions such as pest infestations, broken elevators, and inadequate emergency preparedness reported by residents.
Gabriel House is owned by Gabriel Care, Inc., with Dennis D. Etzkorn serving as president, treasurer, and secretary. Etzkorn has a history of legal controversies including a 2010 discrimination lawsuit and a 2012 indictment related to a Medicaid kickback scheme; however, the latter charges were dropped due to illegally obtained evidence.
During the fire, residents reported inadequate staffing with only two or three staff members available for the approximately 70 residents. The elevator had been out of service for months, limiting mobility for wheelchair users, and during the fire, lights and exit signs reportedly were not illuminated. Many residents had to break through windows to escape the smoke.
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire at Gabriel House. The investigation includes examining potential code violations and the facility's safety compliance. Officials have not yet announced a definitive cause as of the latest reports.
History
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