New York: A nighttime fire at a nursing home has left nine people dead in the northeastern US state of Massachusetts, local authorities said Monday.
The fire that broke out Sunday at an assisted living facility in the city of Fall River was "an unspeakable tragedy," Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon told reporters.
"Nine people lost their lives in this building last night," Bacon said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims."
One person remains in critical condition, over 30 were taken to area hospitals and at least a dozen were saved in a rescue requiring ladders, Bacon added.
Five fighters who were injured in the blaze have already been released from the hospital.
Firefighters who responded to the call shortly before 10 pm local time saw heavy smoke and flames at the front of the building with occupants trapped inside, the fire department said.
The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated.
