Highlights
- Indian-origin truck driver killed in a tragic workplace accident in Sydney's west
- 39-year-old Baljinder Singh died on the spot in a forklift incident at St Marys
- Mr Singh had migrated to Australia from Punjab, India in 2004
The deceased has been identified by his family as 39-year-old Baljinder Singh, who reportedly died on the spot in the accident that occurred at a supply store in St Marys, a place that he attended on a routine basis to pick up a load.
The NSW Police were alerted to the incident on Link Road Dunheved at about 12.45 pm on Monday, 1 February 2021.
In a statement to SBS Punjabi, a police spokesperson said that the police attended the scene following reports a man had been injured.
Baljinder Singh migrated to Australia from India for a better and prosperous life. Source: Supplied by the Singh family
"The man was unable to be revived and died at the scene," the spokesperson said.
"The man has not been formally identified, and a brief will be prepared for the information of the Coroner."
The police have also notified Safe Work NSW which is currently investigating the matter.
Originally from Morinda in the Ropar district of the northern Indian state of Punjab, Mr Singh had arrived in Australia in 2004.
He lived with his wife and three daughters aged 3, 11 and 13 in the Blacktown suburb in Sydney's west.
Melbourne-based Jagdeep Singh Batth, the deceased's cousin brother, remembered him as a "noble young man" who was always willing to help others.
"We still can't believe that this happened. Baljinder was very humble and full of positive energy. People would remember him as a beautiful human being who cared for everyone," he said.
"Our family and his friends will deeply miss him, may his soul rest in peace."
The impact of his death has touched many, including the members of the Punjabi community living in Australia, many of whom took to social media to share their grief.
Baljinder Singh was a resident of Blcktown - a suburb in Sydney's west. Source: Supplied by the Singh family
One of his close associates, Harmeet Singh Sidhu, remembered Mr Singh as a "hardworking" man who dreamt of building a better life in Australia.
"A young life lost too soon. Our deepest condolence and sympathies with the family who are coping with this unbearable loss," he told SBS Punjabi.
"He was a man of his words. We shared a close bond. He was a person who could always be trusted and someone who was always there for you no matter what."
Mr Sidhu said the family has contacted the local MP to assist with Mr Singh's parents' visa approval who are currently in India.
"These are difficult times for the family. International travel is restricted due to COVID-19. But we're hopeful that they will arrive in Australia in the next few days for the last rites of their beloved son."
Harkirat Singh Sandhar, another of Mr Singh's friend, said it’s a sad day for the community.
Baljinder Singh came to Australia in 2004 from Punjab, India Source: Supplied by the Singh family
"A young life has been lost in such tragic circumstances. We are here to support the family by all possible means. But before initiating any efforts we'll wait for the instructions from the family," he said.
Mr Batth informed SBS Punjabi that Mr Singh's body is still with the coroner, who is investigating the cause of death.
"We want to know the exact circumstances that lead to his death. So far, we know that he attended this work site for picking-up a truck-load," he said.
"From the initial observations, it seems that he was crushed between a heavy forklift and his truck. It will be difficult to comment further as the matter is pending investigation.
"After a full disclosure, we would get in touch with the company regarding the insurance and other legal liabilities," he added.
SafeWork NSW told SBS Punjabi that they’re investigating this matter.
Source: SafeWork NSW
“SafeWork NSW is investigating a forklift incident at the loading dock of a St Mary’s business where a truck driver suffered fatal injuries. Further comment is not available at this time,” a spokesperson said in a written statement.
