Resident Sues Gabriel House After Fatal Fire

Steven Oldrid, a resident of Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, has filed a lawsuit against the facility's owners, alleging negligence in management, staffing, maintenance, and emergency preparedness after a July 13 fire killed 10 residents and injured dozens. Oldrid, who uses a power wheelchair, claims he was trapped and suffered smoke inhalation due to insufficient staff and emergency procedures. The lawsuit comes amid scrutiny of Gabriel House’s safety record, with officials and advocates raising concerns about preparedness and previous violations. The owners maintain that the fire suppression system passed inspection five days before the fire and state they are cooperating with investigators. Preliminary findings indicate the fire may have started in a resident's room due to smoking near a medical oxygen concentrator, but the official cause is still under investigation. State authorities have initiated a review of all assisted living facilities in Massachusetts following the incident.