The mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts said only two people were working at the Gabriel House when a fire broke out Sunday night, killing nine residents at the assisted living facility. An employee told CBS News both workers were new to the job.

City Councilor Linda Pereira during the Fall River City Council Tuesday July 15, 2025.

“It’s very challenging to finance them,” said Robin Lipson, the state’s chief official for elder services, during a meeting of a commission created last year to improve long-term care in the state.