A devastating overnight fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, has claimed the lives of at least nine residents and left dozens injured, officials confirmed Monday.

The blaze broke out Sunday night at the Gabriel House assisted living facility, a home to nearly 70 elderly and vulnerable individuals. Calls for help began around 9:50 p.m., with terrified residents reportedly seen hanging from windows, pleading for rescue as thick smoke and flames consumed the front of the building.

Firefighters arrived within minutes and found the building fully engulfed in flames. With heavy smoke pouring out of the structure, first responders rushed in to save as many residents as possible while battling the rapidly spreading inferno.

“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said in a statement. “On behalf of the Fall River Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who are grieving this morning.”

More than 50 firefighters responded to the five-alarm fire, working through the night to contain the blaze and locate survivors. By early Monday morning, the fire had been brought under control, but the toll was heartbreaking.

Authorities confirmed that nine individuals were found deceased at the scene. Over 30 residents were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical. One person remains in critical condition. Additionally, five firefighters were treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the rescue efforts.

Officials are still working to determine the cause of the fire, and investigators from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services remain on site. Recovery and identification efforts are ongoing as families wait for word about their loved ones.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Fall River community and beyond, with local churches and faith leaders calling for prayer and support.

Pastor Jonathan Mendez of a nearby congregation offered words of comfort in the wake of the tragedy. “These were our neighbors, our grandparents, our friends. This is a moment for the Church to step in with compassion, prayer, and the love of Christ,” he said. “We weep with those who weep and ask God to bring peace that passes understanding.”

Many have turned to Scripture for hope in the midst of the heartbreak. Several in the community shared Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, local ministries and organizations are mobilizing to assist displaced residents and families affected by the tragedy. The Fall River mayor’s office has also requested prayers and patience as emergency responders work tirelessly in the aftermath of one of the deadliest fires in the city’s history.