Brooklyn immigrant dies during FDNY rescue efforts as he awaits family arrival.

A tragic incident unfolded on the morning of May 19, 2025, in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park when a fire broke out in a three-story building housing a deli and apartments. The fire claimed the life of Ashiq Hussain, a 53-year-old Uber driver originally from Pakistan, who was attempting to escape the flames from his second-floor apartment. Hussain was reportedly moments away from reuniting with his family, who were preparing to join him in the United States.

Video footage captured during the rescue attempt reveals the chaotic scene as firefighters responded to the blaze shortly after 7 a.m. Witnesses reported seeing bright flames and thick smoke emerging from the building. The footage displays a firefighter on a ladder reaching out to assist Hussain, who tragically fell from the window as the ladder retracted. The circumstances surrounding his fall remain under investigation by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

According to FDNY sources, Hussain may have suffered a medical episode that led to his fall, creating additional questions about the rescue efforts and conditions at the scene. Hussain was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after the incident, and a medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

Hussain was described as a dedicated family man, making his way in New York for over a decade while working hard to support his wife and children back in Pakistan. The deli owner expressed his devastation, recalling Hussain’s positive demeanor and how he often checked in on the staff. Friends and family maintained that he had been eagerly anticipating his family’s arrival and was actively seeking a new home for them.

A friend of Hussain recounted a conversation he had with him during the fire, highlighting Hussain’s bravery in alerting his roommates about the flames before calling emergency services. Reports from witnesses further illustrated the panic of the scene, with firefighters racing against time to rescue those inside. The blaze was later attributed to electrical faults, according to FDNY officials.

As the community mourns this tragic loss, many have lauded Hussain as a true hero who risked his life in the effort to save others. Fire officials continue to investigate the incident as residents and businesses in the area cope with the aftermath of this devastating event.