A six-year-old boy has tragically lost his life after being struck by a forklift operated by his father at the family's engineering company in northern Italy. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 PM on Friday, May 8, within the grounds of Meccanica De March, a family-run mechanical engineering business located in the industrial district of Sedico, near Belluno.
The child, identified as Lucas De March, was rushed to the hospital after emergency crews arrived within minutes of the accident. However, they were unable to save him. Lucas was known to frequently spend time at the workshop with his father after the working day ended, often taking rides in the forklifts, according to reports from The Mirror.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. One theory under consideration is that Lucas may have suddenly lost his balance and fallen in front of the moving forklift. Police have seized the vehicle for inspection to verify whether it meets all required safety regulations.
Prosecutors are reportedly considering potential charges of manslaughter against the father, Gabriele De March, as reported by NeedToKnow. Lucas, who was due to start primary school in September, leaves behind a three-year-old brother.
Judo School Pays Tribute
The boy had visited his father after 5 PM, having attended a judo class at the Doushin Dojo ASD school, where he practiced the martial art. In a heartfelt tribute, the school described Lucas as "a bright, cheerful child, a well-mannered and respectful judoka. We will miss him very much, and so will his classmates."
Mental health support will be provided to nurseries and primary schools attended by Lucas's friends to help them cope with the tragedy.
Community Mourning
In response to the tragedy, the local municipality, in coordination with the Sedico Carnival Association, has decided to cancel the "Sedico in Festa" event and all related activities planned for the coming days. The Sedico in Festa is a traditional spring fair held in the town center.
Mayor Christian Roldo stated: "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 honor the memory of Lucas." He added: "Our priority now is to stand with the families involved, to whom we express the deepest condolences and warmth of the entire Sedico community."
The mayor also urged locals to "think of Gabriele, Jennifer, and little Nicola, who are suffering. 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."
