Delivery driver dies on bike after 18-hour shifts
Driver found lifeless on bike after gruelling 18-hour workdays
A heartbreaking event occurred in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, eastern China, where a delivery driver was discovered lifeless while resting on his bike. The man, the sole provider for his family, reportedly worked 18-hour days to support them. Fellow riders mentioned he sometimes slept only three hours before starting his shift.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, igniting discussions about the welfare and rights of delivery workers. Yuan, the deceased worker, was found on his electric bike after a long day of work, supporting his 16-year-old son’s education. His other son, who is married, lives elsewhere with his family.
One co-worker, Yang, recounted how Yuan would often work until 3am, sleep briefly, and resume work at 6am. He would nap on his bike when tired, ready to take new orders immediately. Another colleague mentioned Yuan had a leg fracture from a delivery accident but returned to work after just ten days, two weeks before his death.
China delivery man, 55, collapses, dies on bike after working 18-hour dayshttps://t.co/SspdHjKJk3
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) September 17, 2024
The incident caused public outrage, with many questioning the difficult conditions faced by delivery workers. One person lamented, “Another ‘Order King’ has fallen. Can these tragedies ever be prevented?” Another added, “In his 50s, the family’s sole breadwinner, working tirelessly. May he rest in peace and find a life free from such struggles next time.”
The Xianlin Sub-district Office in Yuhang district confirmed the driver collapsed and died despite emergency treatment. They announced that the food delivery platform, insurance company, and family had reached an agreement, with follow-up arrangements being handled accordingly.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NDTV reports on a 55-year-old Chinese food delivery man who died while resting on his bike after enduring 18-hour workdays, highlighting labor welfare concerns and the grueling work conditions of delivery agents. (Read more)
- South China Morning Post highlights the tragic death of a Chinese delivery man, 55, who collapsed and died on his bike after working 18-hour days, sparking discussions on delivery riders’ welfare and legal rights. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the delivery driver in Hangzhou?
The delivery driver was found dead while napping on his bike after working 18-hour days.
How did the incident come to public attention?
A video of the incident surfaced on social media, sparking outrage and discussions about delivery agents’ welfare.
What were the working conditions of the delivery driver?
He worked 18-hour days, sometimes sleeping only three hours, and even worked shortly after a leg fracture.
How did people react to the delivery driver’s death on social media?
People expressed anger and sadness, questioning the hardships delivery workers face and calling for change.
What did the Xianlin Sub-district Office say about the incident?
They confirmed the driver collapsed and died despite emergency treatment and stated that follow-up arrangements are in progress.
