A Father-to-Be Dies in Forklift Accident: Family and Union Demand Answers

A worker in his 20s has died after a forklift overturned at a supermarket in Jeju.

Allegations have been raised that the worker was improperly assigned to operate the forklift despite lacking a license. The victim was a newlywed who married earlier this year and was expecting his first child in just two weeks.

The accident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 19 in the underground parking lot of a Nonghyup Hanaro Mart in Aewol-eup, Jeju City. The victim, identified as a contract worker in his 20s, surnamed A, was crushed by the vehicle after it overturned.

It is reported that the accident happened while A had briefly stepped off the forklift.

Although A was rushed to a hospital immediately following the accident, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

In a statement, the Jeju branch of the Korean Mart Industry Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) said, "A tragic industrial accident has claimed the life of a young worker in Jeju, who married earlier this year and was expecting a child in two weeks." The union claimed, "The deceased, A, was assigned to operate the forklift without holding a valid license."

The union further revealed, "A had requested to be reassigned from his duties shortly before the accident due to a leg injury, but his request was ignored," and emphasized, "The circumstances surrounding his work assignment must be disclosed to the bereaved family."

The union has called for a special labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and other relevant authorities, as well as the implementation of measures to prevent future recurrences.

Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Choi Kang-san | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.