FDNY investigating man's fatal fall during Sunset Park fire rescue

SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A New York City Fire Department investigation is underway after a Sunset Park resident fell from a ladder during an attempted fire rescue, later passing from injuries sustained in the fall.

Ashiq Hussain, a 53-year-old Pakistani immigrant, worked as an Uber driver to support his children back home.

Hussain attempted to flee from his third-floor apartment window after an electrical fire broke out in a 9th Avenue deli below, just after 7 a.m. Monday morning.

In moments, a heroic rescue turned to tragedy. Firefighters extended a ladder up to a waiting Hussain - but as he placed his feet onto the ladder, the top half suddenly retracted. A firefighter slid downward, and Hussain plunged to the pavement below, striking his head, officials say.

Hussain later died at the hospital. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be blunt-force trauma to the head.

FDNY officials are now investigating Hussain's fall, and whether a ladder malfunction or other factors contributed to the accident.

"As is standard practice, 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 in a statement.

No firefighters have been disciplined or taken off duty, but the ladder involved has been pulled from service.

"A stable ladder is supposed to be secured ... you have to test the equipment, try the equipment before you use it on actual human beings' life," a bystander reacted.

Ashiq Hussain's friends and family - in Sunset Park and in Pakistan - grieve his loss and await answers as the investigation continues.

It's "really tragic to lose a father or a friend or a good friend," said Roshed Mohamed, who owns a bodega on the ground floor of the charred building.

"I know him more than 10 years," said Magid Algahmi, another of Hussain's friends. "Very nice guy. He came in every day. He shops. Friend, my friend..."

Hussain's body will be flown back to family in Pakistan for burial.