Gabriel House Fire Survivors Sue Owner, Safety Firm Over Deadly Massachusetts Blaze

Three residents of Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, have filed a lawsuit against the facility, its owner Dennis Etzkorn, and Fire Systems Inc., following a deadly July 13 fire that killed 10 and injured over 30 people. The lawsuit alleges that Gabriel House was negligent in maintaining its fire safety systems, with claims that the fire panel, pump, and sprinklers were not operational during the blaze, and that required emergency plans and fire drills were lacking. Plaintiffs further accuse the facility of failing to enforce no-smoking policies, despite the presence of highly flammable medical oxygen, and cite oversized window air conditioners that impeded evacuation. The fire, believed to have started due to either a failed oxygen concentrator or careless smoking, was the deadliest in Massachusetts in over four decades. Fire Systems Inc., responsible for installing and inspecting the fire safety equipment, is also accused of improper installation and maintenance. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that the facility's vulnerable residents were put at risk due to alleged disregard for safety protocols and code violations.