Pakistani Man Dies During Failed Fire Rescue in US

A Pakistani immigrant and Uber driver died after falling from a faulty fire department ladder while escaping a burning apartment building in Brooklyn, New York.

Ashiq Hussain, 53, was attempting to climb down an FDNY ladder from the top floor of his apartment when the ladder’s upper section gave way, causing him to fall to the ground. Bystander video captured the moment, showing firefighters rushing to his aid as he lay motionless on the sidewalk. Emergency crews quickly placed him on a stretcher and brought in a second ladder to continue rescue efforts.

The city medical examiner determined Hussain died from blunt-force trauma. The FDNY has launched an investigation into the incident and has taken the ladder out of service.

Ashiq Hussain, who had lived in the United States for nearly 30 years, was originally from Pakistan. He worked as an Uber driver and lived in the apartment with two roommates, both of whom escaped safely.

According to family members, Hussain had just returned from an overnight shift when the fire broke out around 7 a.m. He alerted his roommates to the danger, helping them escape before attempting to leave himself.

Relatives expressed anger and grief, blaming the fire department for what they called a preventable tragedy. “They did really wrong. They took the head of the family,” said Mazhar Iqbal, Hussain’s cousin. Hussain’s wife and four children were preparing to join him in the U.S. after years of separation.

Friends and neighbors described Hussain as hardworking and kind, noting his dedication to supporting his family and his efforts to help others. “This is a guy who literally saved two lives just minutes before he lost his own,” said a family friend.

The family is now working to return Hussain’s body to Pakistan for burial. The FDNY continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.