Car falls on Bronx immigrant from West Africa in freak accident

A West African immigrant was crushed to death Saturday in the Bronx in a freak accident while loading a vehicle into a container truck, police said.

Abdul Barry, 49, met the gruesome end as he moved the Toyota pickup - bound for resale on his home continent - into a container hooked up to a truck cab, witnesses said.

The accident happened about 3:45 p.m. at Drake St. and Randall Ave. in Hunts Point.

"His wife just had a baby - his second daughter - one month ago," said his cousin, Issie Barrie, 32, who stood with friends and other relatives in the freezing rain at the accident scene hours after it occurred.

Through tears and choking sobs, Barrie, who lived with her cousin, said, "He's never seen his second child. Now he'll never see her."

Barry was standing inside the container when chains that suspended the truck above him snapped and sent the vehicle crashing down on him, witnesses said.

"He came here to do well for himself and for his family," said friend Ousmane Bah, 43. "He worked seven days a week. He came here for a better life and he worked so hard."

Barry, a former cab driver in Africa, immigrated from West Guinea in 2005, leaving behind his wife and a daughter who is now 11. His second child was born a month ago.

Selling vehicles was one of several ways he supported his family.

He also ran a Bronx storefront where he sold socks and T-shirts.

He last visited his native country three months ago, friends said.

"He was a nice guy, very nice," cried Barrie. "He loved me and he did everything for my children, and in my heart I feel so bad."

Another friend welled up with tears as he viewed the scene of the horrific accident.

"I feel so sorry for him," said Mamadou Sow, 46. "He was an honest man. I'll remember him. I'll remember him as a good man."

Barry was with one of his brothers when the accident occurred.

Hours later, that brother stood in the rain, still stunned and staring at the container truck.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bronx/2011/02/06/2011-02-06_crushed_to_death_car_falls_on_him_in_bizarre_bx_accident.html#ixzz1DEnVvhIG