Sydney, NSW – A 25-year-old forklift driver, identified as Thanh Dat, was killed in a tragic workplace accident in southwest Sydney last Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Dat, a Vietnamese national, was crushed by the forklift at a business on Powdrill Rd in Prestons around 5:40 a.m.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene from critical injuries.
Described as a hardworking son who dreamed of building a better life for his family, Dat had moved to Australia to work as a forklift driver.
His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to return his ashes to Vietnam for a proper burial.
Local residents expressed shock and concern about safety risks in the area, citing the regular presence of forklifts and trucks on the road.
However, an experienced forklift driver at the same site stated that he had never seen any incidents or problems with the machinery.
The incident is currently under investigation, and authorities have appealed to the public for any information that may assist in their inquiries.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NSW Police or WorkSafe NSW.
In a statement, Dat’s family said, “Thanh Dat’s life, though far too short, touched many with kindness, laughter, and love.
Together, let us carry him home.”
Those wishing to support the family’s GoFundMe campaign can visit https://gofundme.com/f/thanh-dats-funeral-expenses .