Horror scenes in Italy as son crushed to death by forklift operated by dad

Lucas De March, aged six, has tragically died after he was crushed by a forklift driven by his dad Gabriele, at the family’s mechanical engineering company in Sedico, Italy

A six-year-old boy has died in Italy after he was crushed by a forklift truck operated by his father. The tragic accident occurred at approximately 6.30pm on Friday (8 May) at Meccanica De March, an engineering firm located in an industrial district of Sedico.

The victim, Lucas De March, was struck as his father, Gabriele De March, desperately attempted to raise the alarm. Despite emergency services arriving on the scene within minutes, they were unable to save the youngster.

Investigators are currently probing whether the child lost his balance and fell into the path of the moving machinery. The forklift has been confiscated by authorities for safety inspections to ensure it complied with relevant regulations.

Gabriele De March may now face manslaughter charges, according to reports from NeedToKnow. Lucas, who had a three-year-old brother and was set to begin primary school this September, has left the local community in mourning following the fatal incident.

He attended the Doushin Dojo ASD judo school, where he had finished his lesson at 5pm before going to see his father at work.

The school paid tribute, saying: “Lucas was a bright, cheerful child, a well-mannered and respectful judoka. We will miss him very much, and so will his classmates.” Psychological support will be made available in the nurseries and primary schools attended by Lucas’s friends.

Following the tragedy the local municipality, in agreement with the Sedico Carnival Association has decided to cancel the “Sedico in Festa” event and all related activities and events planned for the coming days. The Sedico in Festa is a traditional spring fair held in the town centre.

“We believe that in a time of such great suffering, there is no time for celebrations. This decision is a sign of mourning and to honour the memory of Lucas,” said the mayor Christian Roldo.

“Our priority now is to stand with the families involved, to whom we express the deepest condolences and warmth of the entire Sedico community.”

He then asked for locals to “think of Gabriele, Jennifer, and little Nicola, who are suffering. The mayor added: “The tragedy that has struck us so harshly leaves us speechless and requires us all to take a necessary moment of silence, reflection, and above all, respect.”

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