Easter Sunday Inferno: Fall River Family Left Homeless, Community Steps Up

What started as a quiet Easter morning turned into a nightmare for one Fall River family. Around 11 a.m. on Sunday, flames tore through a home on Hancock Street, leaving a mother and her young son with nothing but each other.

Melissa Langella and her 4-year-old son, Maverick, had just begun their day when Maverick noticed something strange.

“He said he smelled something funny,” Melissa shared through tears. “I went to check and saw flames in the kitchen. Everything happened so fast. I grabbed him and ran.”

They made it out safely — but lost almost everything else, including their beloved pets.

A Devastating Loss

The fire ripped through the home quickly, leaving nothing but charred remains in its wake. Melissa and Maverick escaped through thick smoke, barefoot and without any belongings. While firefighters were able to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby homes, there was little they could do to save what was inside the Langella residence.

Sadly, the family’s cherished pets, who were trapped inside, did not survive.

“It’s been absolutely heartbreaking,” Melissa said. “We lost our pets, our home, everything. I’m just grateful my son is okay.”

Neighbors, Strangers Come Together

In the face of such devastation, the Fall River community has rallied around Melissa, Maverick, and Melissa’s sister Carissa, who also lived in the home. A friend quickly started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family get back on their feet. As of now, the fundraiser has brought in more than $26,000 in donations.

The campaign, titled “Help Melissa, Carissa and Maverick Rebuild After Fire,” is helping cover essentials like clothes, food, temporary housing, and basic supplies.

“We’re overwhelmed by the kindness of people — even strangers,” Melissa said. “I never imagined so many people would step up to help us. It’s the only thing keeping me going right now.”

Businesses Join the Effort

Local businesses are stepping up, too. The County Fare restaurant in Somerset has started collecting cash donations and gift cards for the family. Patrons have been walking in, handing over envelopes of support — some from people who don’t even know the Langellas personally.

It’s a reminder of the tight-knit spirit that defines communities like Fall River.

“It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are,” said Carissa. “We’re still trying to process everything, but knowing people care — it helps more than they know.”

Cause Under Investigation

Officials are still working to determine what caused the fire. Early reports suggest it may have started near the air conditioning unit in the kitchen, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. The Fall River Fire Department is continuing its investigation.

In the meantime, fire officials are also reminding residents to check their smoke detectors, especially as the warmer months begin and appliances see heavier use.

A Long Road Ahead

Though safe, the Langella family is starting from scratch. Clothes, furniture, toys, keepsakes — everything is gone. But as they begin to rebuild, they’re not alone.

“We’ve had people drop off shoes for Maverick, toys, even diapers — things I didn’t even realize we’d need until they showed up,” Melissa said. “It’s been overwhelming in the best way.”

For now, Melissa says she’s focusing on keeping her son safe and trying to stay strong for him.

“I keep telling him we’re going to be okay, and thanks to everyone who’s helping us, I actually believe that.”