Ladder Collapse in Brooklyn Fire Claims Life of Ashiq Hussain

On a quiet Monday morning in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park, a devastating fire turned a routine rescue into a heartbreaking tragedy. Ashiq Hussain, a 53-year-old Pakistani immigrant and dedicated father, lost his life after a New York Fire Department (FDNY) ladder collapsed during an attempt to save him from a burning apartment. This incident has left a community grieving, a family shattered, and the FDNY searching for answers about what went wrong. At Phacts, we dive into the details of this tragic event, honoring the life of a hardworking man while exploring the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking outcome.

A Morning of Chaos in Sunset Park

The tragedy unfolded just after 7 a.m. on May 19, 2025, at 3902 Ninth Avenue, a three-story building in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. A fire, later determined to be caused by an electrical issue, broke out on the second floor above the M9 Deli and Grill. Bright flames and thick, choking smoke poured from the building, creating a terrifying scene for residents trapped inside. Witnesses described the fire as “rapid” and “scary,” with heavy smoke billowing from the windows, making escape nearly impossible.

Ashiq Hussain lived in a third-floor apartment with two roommates. As the fire spread, he found himself surrounded by smoke, struggling to breathe. In a desperate bid for safety, he stood by his apartment window, hoping for rescue. He called his cousin, Mazhar Iqbal, to report the “serious fire” and his position by the window, trying to breathe fresh air. He also dialed 911, alerting authorities to the emergency. Little did he know that his attempt to escape would end in tragedy.

A Heroic Rescue Attempt Goes Wrong

FDNY firefighters arrived quickly, with 12 units and 60 personnel rushing to the scene. Among them was a firefighter acting as a chauffeur, responsible for driving the fire truck but also assisting in rescue efforts when needed. The team extended a retractable ladder to the third-floor window where Hussain waited, surrounded by smoke. Video footage captured by bystanders shows the firefighter positioned at the top of the ladder, ready to guide Hussain to safety.

Hussain, with the firefighter’s help, carefully placed his left foot on the ladder’s top rung. Smoke poured out around him, a stark reminder of the danger inside. He then stepped forward with his right foot, placing his full weight on the ladder. In a horrifying moment, the ladder’s top section suddenly retracted, sliding down about one story. The firefighter managed to hold on, his feet catching on the ladder’s lower section, but Hussain was not so fortunate. He fell, tumbling through the air, striking the awning of the deli below before hitting the pavement.

The Aftermath of the Fall

The impact was devastating. Bystander videos show firefighters and emergency crews rushing to Hussain’s side as he lay motionless on the sidewalk. They quickly placed him on a stretcher and rushed him to Maimonides Medical Center, but the injuries were too severe. An autopsy later revealed that Hussain died from blunt-force trauma to his head and torso. The sight of blood on the sidewalk and the chaos of the moment left witnesses shaken. One deli worker, Roshad Mohammed, called it a “very scary experience,” something no one could have expected.

Two other residents suffered smoke inhalation, and one firefighter sustained a leg injury while battling the blaze, but both were reported to be stable. Hussain’s two roommates, thanks to his quick actions in waking them and alerting them to the fire, escaped safely using a similar ladder positioned nearby. The contrast between their successful rescue and Hussain’s fatal fall was heartbreaking for those who knew him.

Who Was Ashiq Hussain?

Ashiq Hussain was more than just a victim of this tragedy—he was a man who embodied resilience, sacrifice, and love for his family. Originally from Pakistan, he moved to New York over 30 years ago in search of better opportunities. Working long, grueling overnight shifts as a taxi and Uber driver, he poured his earnings into supporting his family back home. He funded the education of his four children—three daughters and a son—helping his eldest daughter achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.

Hussain’s life was one of quiet dedication. He lived modestly in a shared apartment, saving money to prepare for the day his family could join him in the United States. His wife and children were set to arrive soon, with only a few immigration details left to finalize. Hussain was even looking for a new home to accommodate his family, excited for the chance to finally live together after years apart. “He just wanted them to be successful and contribute to humanity in some way,” a family friend shared. “He was an awesome dad.”

In the tight-knit Sunset Park community, Hussain was known as a kind and respectful neighbor. The owner of the M9 Deli and Grill described him as “family,” someone who checked in regularly and always greeted others warmly. His loss has left a void in the neighborhood, with friends and locals coming together to support his grieving family.

The FDNY’s Investigation Begins

The FDNY has launched a thorough investigation into the ladder collapse, which has been taken out of service pending review. The department issued a statement acknowledging the incident and emphasizing their commitment to understanding what happened. “We began a proactive investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a civilian immediately, inclusive of our Fire Marshals, Fire Operations, and our Division of Safety,” the FDNY said. No firefighters have been disciplined as of now, and the focus remains on determining why the ladder failed.

Hussain’s family, devastated by the loss, has raised questions about whether the ladder was properly secured. “I blame the Fire Department in this,” said Mazhar Iqbal, Hussain’s cousin. He noted that Hussain was older and has a higher weight, which may have added strain to the ladder, but the equipment should have been able to support him. Some bystanders and online commentators have speculated about the ladder’s setup, with one suggesting it may have been positioned incorrectly, causing the latch to give way. However, these claims remain unverified as the investigation continues.

A Community in Mourning

The Sunset Park community has rallied around Hussain’s memory, with neighbors and friends sharing stories of his kindness and generosity. Local bodega owner Roshed Mohamed, who knew Hussain for over a decade, called him a “very nice guy” who shopped at his store daily. Another friend, Magid Algahmi, echoed this sentiment, describing Hussain as a true friend whose loss is deeply felt. The community is now working to support Hussain’s family, who are arranging to have his body sent back to Pakistan for burial.

For Hussain’s wife and children, the pain is unimaginable. They were on the verge of reuniting with him, a dream he had worked tirelessly to achieve. Now, they face the heartbreaking task of saying goodbye. “His daughters and wife are suffering now,” Iqbal said. “His wife couldn’t sleep. They don’t know what to do now.”

The Bigger Picture: Fire Safety and Equipment Reliability

This tragedy has sparked broader questions about fire safety and the reliability of rescue equipment. Electrical fires, like the one that caused this incident, are a common hazard in urban areas, often linked to faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. The FDNY has long emphasized the importance of fire prevention, offering resources on safely storing and disposing of items like lithium-ion batteries, which can also cause fires. Yet, even with the best prevention efforts, emergencies happen, and the equipment used in rescues must be dependable.

The ladder collapse has raised concerns about maintenance and training protocols. Was the ladder properly inspected before use? Was it set up correctly under the chaotic conditions of the fire? These are questions the FDNY’s investigation aims to answer. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks firefighters and civilians face during emergencies and the importance of ensuring every piece of equipment is ready for the job.

Honoring a Hero’s Legacy

Ashiq Hussain’s story is one of courage and sacrifice. In his final moments, he ensured his roommates were aware of the fire, likely saving their lives. His selflessness, both in life and in his last actions, has left a lasting impact on those who knew him. A family friend described the pain of watching video footage of the incident, noting how Hussain’s heroism contrasted with the tragedy of his fall. “Just watching one of the guys successfully escape on the right side of the building, and then him falling to his death on the left side, was just heartbreaking,” the friend said. “This is a guy who literally saved two lives just minutes before he lost his own. A true hero.”

As the FDNY continues its investigation, the focus remains on preventing future tragedies. For the Sunset Park community and Hussain’s family, the priority is honoring his memory. His life’s work—supporting his children, building a future for his family, and contributing to his community—will not be forgotten.

A Call to Action for Fire Safety

At Phacts, we believe in turning tragedy into action. While we mourn the loss of Ashiq Hussain, we can honor his memory by prioritizing fire safety in our homes and communities. Check your smoke alarms, inspect electrical appliances, and create an escape plan for your family. Support your local fire department by advocating for resources to ensure their equipment is reliable and their training is top-notch. Together, we can prevent future heartbreak and keep our neighborhoods safe.

Have thoughts on this story or ideas for improving fire safety? Share them with us in the comments below or join the conversation on our Phacts community forum. Let’s work together to make sure tragedies like this don’t happen again. Subscribe to Phacts at phactsblog.com for more stories that matter, and stay informed about the issues affecting our world.

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