FALL RIVER, Mass. — The death toll from a devastating fire at a Massachusetts assisted-living facility has climbed to 10, officials announced Thursday.
Brenda Cropper, 66, succumbed to her injuries late Wednesday. She had been hospitalized in critical condition since the blaze erupted Sunday at Gabriel House. Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III confirmed her passing.
Details surrounding Cropper’s death and the precise cause of the fire, which broke out in a second-floor room on the east side of the Gabriel House building, remain under investigation, according to Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon. However, the district attorney’s office stated the cause “does not appear to be suspicious.”
The fire and thick smoke trapped residents, many of whom were seen hanging from windows and calling for help. At least 30 people were injured. The nine initial fatalities were all individuals over the age of 60. The fire chief had reported on Wednesday that a second victim was also in critical condition.
Those identified among the deceased include Joseph Wilansky, 77; Rui Albernaz, 64; Ronald Codega, 61; Margaret Duddy, 69; Robert King, 78; Kim Mackin, 71; Richard Rochon, 78; and Eleanor Willett, 86. The identity of a 70-year-old female victim has not yet been released.
Emergency response efforts involved approximately 50 firefighters, with 30 of them called in from their off-duty hours. Police officers assisted by breaking down doors to carry about a dozen residents to safety. Five firefighters who sustained injuries were released from the hospital on Monday.
Union officials have raised concerns about the city’s firefighter staffing levels, suggesting it was insufficient to rescue all trapped residents. City officials have responded by committing to increase staffing on each shift through overtime and future new hires.
The incident has also spotlighted the facility’s owner, who had reportedly faced repeated citations from state regulators for late reporting of potential health and safety incidents. This tragedy further draws attention to the minimal regulations governing assisted-living facilities.
