A fire tore through a three-story building above a deli in Sunset Park early Monday morning—sending smoke billowing into the air and forcing a dramatic rescue effort by firefighters.

The FDNY says the fire broke out just after 7 a.m. at 3902 9th Ave. Flames were coming from the second floor, where residents were trapped in smoke-filled apartments. Several people were rescued from the windows by ladder.

But in the chaos, one man fell from an upper window as a firefighter tried to help him down. Video shows the moment mid-air before the man hit the sidewalk below. He is now in critical condition, according to the FDNY.

“They tried to help my roommate out the window,” said one of the residents evacuated by ladder. “But I don’t know what happened—I just saw him fall down. It’s tragic.”

Three others were also hurt—two civilians and one firefighter suffered minor injuries.

FDNY officials say the fire was under control just after 8 a.m., with more than 60 fire and EMS personnel responding to the scene.

The building does not have a fire escape, which likely complicated rescue efforts.

The New York City Department of Buildings says it has issued a full vacate order due to fire damage. Inspectors also found illegal single room occupancies—three in total—on the second and third floors. That violates the building’s Certificate of Occupancy, and the DOB says it will issue violations to the owner.

DOB also ordered the building owner to seal up all doors and openings to keep the public safe.

The American Red Cross says it’s helping six people who were displaced by the fire.

Fire marshals are still investigating the cause.