Airport Worker Fatally Injured After Getting Struck By A Vehicle On The Job

A worker was fatally injured at Sydney Airport over the weekend. Police are not treating the incident as suspicious.

What happened: According to a news release by the New South Wales Police Force, the accident occurred on Sunday, September 7, at around 10:30 AM.

• Emergency services responded to reports that a freight handler was struck by a vehicle at the freight handling terminal. The news release explains that ambulance paramedics treated the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Many details about the incident remain unclear, but authorities do not suspect foul play. Officials have not released the worker’s identity, but police believe he was in his forties.
• “Officers from South Sydney Police Area Command established a crime scene that was examined by specialist police,” the statement reads.
• A report by News.com.au shares more details about the incident, explaining that the worker was crushed by heavy machinery. Qantas, Australia’s largest airline, confirmed the incident happened at its international freight terminal. “Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time,” a spokesperson reportedly said.

Sydney Airport Released A Statement Following The Incident

Worksafe NSW is now involved: Per News.com.au, a spokesperson for Sydney Airport provided a statement.

• “We are currently supporting NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, and Safe Work NSW in response to an incident that occurred earlier this morning involving an airfreight employee.” They reportedly said. “Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We are working to support the airline and relevant authorities as they investigate the incident.”
• The news release notes that Worksafe NSW, which is a workplace health and safety regulator, has been notified.

Another airport tragedy: Earlier this year, an American Airlines Employee died at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. He was reportedly struck by a vehicle on the tarmac.

• Per a report by WideOpenCountry, the incident occurred on January 27 at approximately 9:30 AM. The staff member was reportedly working on the plane’s apron when the airport ramp vehicle collided with them.
• Emergency services quickly responded, but authorities declared the worker dead at the scene.