9 people dead after fire at assisted living facility in Massachusetts

Nine people have died and 30 others were injured in a fire at an assisted living facility in Massachusetts, where people were hanging out of windows screaming for help, authorities said on Monday.

Firefighters responded to the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River at about 9:50 p.m. Sunday local time and were met with heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building, with occupants trapped inside, the state Department of Fire Services said in a news release. About 70 people live in the house.

The fire was out by Monday morning and firefighters were able to get inside and rescue numerous occupants. About 50 firefighters responded, including 30 who were off-duty.

Many of those rescued were taken to local and regional hospitals in varying conditions. Five firefighters suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, the statement said.

"This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community," said chief Jeffrey Bacon.

He told reporters "multiple people were hanging out the windows looking to be rescued." Family members who showed up said police were trying to break windows.

Leo Johnson, 45, of Fall River, told The Boston Globe he rushed over to find his 68-year-old mother, who lives on the top floor of Gabriel House.

"I was kinda freaking out because she wasn't one of the ones outside," he said. He eventually found her, saying she was outside soaking wet because the sprinklers were going off.

Joe Alves, who lives several houses down from the facility, said he was watching TV when he heard the wave of sirens and fire crews responding to the fire.

He said he saw officials pulling bodies and injured pets out of the building, with some pouring water bottles on burns as they desperately tried to help those in need.

"There were people in wheelchairs, a lot of people missing limbs, it was terrible," he said, choking up slightly.

In a statement, the Fall River Police Department said that "without hesitation, officers entered the smoke-filled facility, breaking down doors and escorting residents to safety.

"Approximately a dozen non-ambulatory residents were physically carried out by our officers. Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives."

The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation, state and local authorities said.

Fall River, which has about 94,000 people, is about 32 kilometres southeast of Providence, R.I.