Resident Files Lawsuit After Fatal Fire at Massachusetts Facility

A resident of Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts, has brought a civil lawsuit against the management of the complex following a deadly fire that occurred on July 13th, killing ten people and injuring numerous others, as reported.

The resident, Stephen Oldrid, survived the blaze and alleges in his lawsuit that the facility was poorly managed, inadequately staffed, and not properly maintained, revealing a troubling lack of oversight leading up to the fire.

“As of July 13, 2025, the fire that plaintiff Stephen Oldrid had already been in a compromised state,” the lawsuit states.

During the fire, Oldrid faced significant challenges in escaping, as he relied on an electric wheelchair to navigate the facility.

Concerns Over Safety Protocols

Robin Goveyer, Oldrid’s attorney, emphasized the inadequacies of the evacuation plan. “My client was in a power chair. He couldn’t walk through the room. He could move from chair to bed, to chair, but he couldn’t walk through the room,” she explained.

Due to safety protocols, elevators are generally not used during emergencies; they can become hazardous amid fires or power loss, which was true in this case.

Oldrid mentioned that a sign posted inside his apartment provided vague instructions for fire emergencies, telling residents to simply close the door and wait for help, a guideline he deemed “not a good warning.”

Trapped in his third-floor apartment during the fire, Oldrid suffered from smoke inhalation, breathing difficulties, and ultimately lost consciousness.

The lawsuit highlights that Oldrid’s injuries have led to further complications, including physical limitations and increased medical expenses, deeply affecting his daily life.

Goveyer noted that Oldrid is still dealing with the repercussions, both physically and emotionally. “He had other underlying medical issues that complicate his recovery, but at this point, he’s even more hurt,” she remarked.

Management’s Response

A spokesperson for Gabriel House, George K. Regan Jr., stated that the management is cooperating with ongoing investigations into the fire. “Ensuring the safety of our residents has always been our top responsibility… and there have been quarterly inspections of the fire system,” he said.

Regan mentioned that the investigation is focusing on the building’s fire suppression systems, as some surviving residents expressed concerns about water not reaching certain areas during the fire.

Goveyer pointed out staffing issues, noting that only two employees were present at the desk during the incident. “I’m sure they didn’t have that many staff, but the two staff members certainly aren’t enough. For 75 residents, four staff would probably be enough,” she argued.

Additionally, despite a strict no-smoking policy, Oldrid claimed that he had often witnessed residents smoking in their rooms, with fines rarely enforced.

The management will have a timeframe to respond to Oldrid’s allegations before further proceedings take place.