Thanh Dat, 25, Identified as Victim in Fatal Forklift Incident in Sydney’s Southwest

Introduction
The young man killed in a tragic forklift accident at a Prestons worksite has been identified as 25-year-old Thanh Dat, a Vietnamese national who had moved to Australia seeking a better life for his family. Dat was crushed under a forklift at a business on Powdrill Road in the early hours of Friday, July 25, leaving behind devastated loved ones and reigniting safety concerns in the industrial precinct.

Details of the Incident
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 5:40am where they found Dat trapped beneath heavy machinery. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The forklift accident is being investigated as a workplace incident. A report will be prepared for the coroner, and SafeWork NSW has been notified.

Family Tribute
In a heartfelt statement shared through a GoFundMe campaign, Dat’s family described him as a hardworking and selfless young man whose life was “full of dreams.”

“He was living and working in Australia as a forklift driver, always showing dedication, kindness, and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day,” the post read. “Thanh Dat’s life, though far too short, touched many with kindness, laughter, and love.”

The campaign aims to raise funds to return his ashes to Vietnam, where his family hopes to lay him to rest with dignity.

Community Response and Safety Concerns
The tragedy has shocked local residents, some of whom say dangerous work practices have long gone unchecked in the area.

“It was bound to happen,” said local resident Michael Hobbs. “Crossing the road with forklifts and unloading on the streets… it’s not just them, it’s others on the street too.”

Another resident, Carlo Sannio, echoed similar concerns, citing frequent loading activities on the public road.

Worker Commentary on Forklift Safety
Peter Mycian, a licensed forklift operator at the site, defended the routine operations but acknowledged that forklift use carries risk if not handled properly.

“They’re machines—they can definitely be dangerous—but if you know how to operate one and you’ve got your licence, I don’t see them as a dangerous piece of equipment,” he said. “But they can be dangerous as well if not operated properly.”

Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the tragic loss of Thanh Dat serves as a painful reminder of the high-stakes safety risks faced by workers in industrial zones. While the community grieves, authorities are now under pressure to determine whether better regulation and oversight might have prevented yet another young life from being lost at work.