Worker in His 50s Dies at Coupang Logistics Center in Yongin; Police to Conduct Autopsy (Comprehensive)

Collapsed While Sorting Goods in Freezer Warehouse
Coupang States: "Condolences to the Family... Medical Staff Presume Natural Causes"

A worker in his 50s has died at the Coupang logistics center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

Coupang delivery vehicle. Photo by Asia Economy

According to the Yongin Dongbu Police Station on August 21, at around 9:11 p.m. the previous day, a man in his 50s, identified as Mr. A, suddenly collapsed while sorting goods in the freezer warehouse at the Coupang logistics center located in Souwon, Namsa-eup, Yongin City. Mr. A was transported to a nearby hospital but died about two hours later.

It was determined that Mr. A had been sorting items coming out on a conveyor belt in the freezer warehouse.

He was a daily worker who had worked a total of 18 days, one to four days per week, since early last month, working about eight hours a day. Most recently, he worked on August 17, took two days off, and then returned to work the previous day.

The police have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to investigate the exact cause of death, including whether Mr. A had any pre-existing medical conditions.

A Coupang Fulfillment Services representative stated, "We offer our deepest condolences to the deceased and extend our sympathies to the bereaved family," adding, "We will actively cooperate with the investigation to determine the circumstances of his death." The representative continued, "We provided freezer warehouse workers with cold-weather gear, safety training, and pre-work stretching," and added, "The hospital reportedly gave an initial verbal opinion that Mr. A's death was presumed to be due to natural causes."