Fatal Fire Brings Assorted Comms Response
By Thom Weidlich for PRCG | Haggerty LLC
A fatal fire at an assisted-living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, brought quick response, including communications, from many people and organizations. Unfortunately, the most disappointing response came from the company that runs the residence.
The five-alarm fire broke out Sunday night at Gabriel House (pictured), an assisted-living facility with about 70 residents. It was a horrific scene, with residents hanging out of windows looking to be rescued. Nine residents, ranging in age from 61 to 86, died. Many others, including five firefighters, were injured. The cause is being investigated.
“This was not a situation where teams arrived and people were able to get out easily — all of these people needed assistance,” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said, according to ABC News. “Many were in wheelchairs, many were immobile, many had oxygen tanks.”
“The main concern was getting people out,” Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said. “It’s an old building.”
Empathetic Statement
The most-empathetic statement we saw came from Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon. “This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” he said. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”
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