Man dies while trying to escape Sunset Park fire; 3 injured
The building does not have a fire escape, which likely complicated rescue efforts.
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Police confirm a man has died following a fire in Sunset Park.
It happened just after 7 a.m. Monday at the corner of 9th Ave and 39th Street.
Firefighters responded to the scene after getting reports of flames ripping through the building.
They say the fire started in a room on one of the upper floors. Crews managed to quickly put the fire out and evacuate the building. Three people were hurt, and one died. His roommate, Muhammad Rashid, said the man who died was trying to come down the ladder when it slipped and he fell to the ground. Rashid said he lived there for years after moving from Pakistan and was really a respectful person.
"He drives Uber. Very nice guy, very humble."
The owner of the bodega in the building, Abdulla Abdulla, said he also knew him for a long time.
"I go after him to see him in the ambulance to see how he was doing," said Abdulla. "But, what to do?"
The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.
