Ashiq Hussain dies in fatal Sunset Park fire evacuation fall

Ashiq Hussain dies in fatal Sunset Park fire evacuation fall

Fatal Sunset Park fire evacuation death of Ashiq Hussain – Obituary

Ashiq Hussain, a 53-year-old Uber driver, died during a harrowing evacuation attempt from a burning building in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park on May 19. The tragedy occurred after a fire broke out at a three-story structure located at 3902 9th Avenue just after 7 a.m.

Fire crews encountered intense flames and smoke pouring from the rear of the building, prompting immediate rescue efforts. Tower Ladders 114 and 148, along with Hook and Ladder 147, were used to assist residents escaping the upper floors. Multiple people were seen hanging out of windows as firefighters worked swiftly to deploy aerial ladders.

Hussain was climbing out of a third-floor window when he attempted to descend a retractable FDNY ladder. As he stepped onto the ladder, the upper section unexpectedly collapsed, causing him to fall. He landed on a deli awning before hitting the pavement. He was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Footage showed a firefighter already positioned at the top of the ladder managing to hold on during the malfunction. FDNY has since removed the ladder from service pending a thorough review.

Over 60 firefighters battled the blaze using three hoselines, successfully extinguishing it by 8:38 a.m. Two civilians were hospitalized for smoke inhalation in stable condition, and one firefighter was treated for a leg injury. Although an electric bicycle was discovered at the scene, it is not suspected to be the source of the fire.

The FDNY has launched an investigation into both the origin of the fire and the ladder failure. The department confirmed that fire marshals and safety officials are actively examining all circumstances surrounding Hussain’s death.