‘Unspeakable tragedy’: US nursing home fire claims nine lives

A nighttime fire at a nursing home in Massachusetts has left nine people dead. Photo / MassDFS via X

A nighttime fire at a nursing home has left nine people dead in the northeastern US state of Massachusetts after a desperate rescue operation, local authorities have said.

The fire that broke out on Sunday (local time) at an assisted living facility in the city of Fall River was “an unspeakable tragedy”, Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon told reporters.

“Nine people lost their lives in this building last night,” Bacon said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims.”

Local media aired footage of residents being taken away from the scene on stretchers.

One person remains in critical condition, over 30 were taken to hospitals and at least a dozen were saved in a rescue requiring ladders, Bacon added.

Firefighters who responded to the call shortly before 10.00pm local time saw heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building with occupants trapped inside, the fire department said.

Around 70 people resided at the Gabriel House, and some 50 firefighters were mobilised to fight the blaze.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences to the victims’ families over “the most horrific news imaginable”.

“I know the people of Fall River are strong and resilient, and now is the time for us to all come together to support one another through this terrible tragedy,” she said on X.

– Agence France-Presse