Nine people lost their lives, and at least 30 were injured on Monday after a fire broke out at a nursing home in Fall River, Massachusetts, USA.

The state's fire department stated that “firefighters responded to the fire that broke out at the Gabriel House nursing home in Fall River.”

It added that “firefighters were met with thick smoke and flames at the front of the building, while residents were trapped inside.

According to news reports, around 70 people live at the facility. The fire was brought under control by Monday morning, and firefighters were able to enter and rescue several residents.

Many of those rescued were taken to local and regional hospitals in various conditions. Local authorities reported that five firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries.