FALL RIVER, Mass. — Flames roared through an assisted-living facility in Massachusetts, killing nine people and trapping residents inside, including some who leaned out of windows and screamed for help, authorities said Monday. At least 30 people were hurt.
A firefighters union said inadequate staffing hindered the response to the blaze and contributed to the death toll, though the mayor criticized that characterization, and the fire chief suggested no number of first responders would have been enough. Meanwhile, several residents who praised firefighters and police for heroic rescue efforts said staff members did little to help.
“They didn’t knock on one door,” Robert Cabral said. “They just ran.”
Firefighters responded to the Gabriel House facility in Fall River, about 50 miles (80 ki