Fatal Load Drop at Hyundai Battery Plant Construction Site in Georgia

30-Second Takeaway

A 27-year-old subcontractor employee was killed on Tuesday when a load being lifted during truck loading operations fell and struck him at Hyundai’s car and EV battery plant under construction near Savannah, Georgia. The incident reportedly involved a telehandler, though this has not yet been independently confirmed. Authorities are investigating. The fatality marks the third death at the site in approximately two months.

Incident Overview

A fatal material-handling incident occurred on Tuesday May 20th at the Hyundai car and EV battery manufacturing plant currently under construction near Savannah, Georgia.

A load being lifted during truck loading operations was dislodged and fell, striking a worker who was standing nearby.

What Is Known

• Location: Hyundai car and EV battery plant construction site, near Savannah, Georgia

• Date: Tuesday May 20th

• Victim: Allen Kowalski, 27

• Employer: Subcontractor (name not released)

• Task underway: Loading a truck

• Equipment involved:

  • Reported to be a telehandler, though this is not yet confirmed by a second source

  • Heavy-duty forklifts are also used on site

The load fell from the forks and struck Kowalski, who was standing alongside the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Equipment Context

While one source has indicated a telehandler was involved, this has not yet been independently confirmed.

However:

• Telehandlers are widely used on the site for forked load handling

• Heavy-duty forklifts are also present

• Previous video and photographic material from the site supports extensive telehandler use

The investigation will ultimately determine the precise equipment involved.

Official Statement – Hyundai

Hyundai spokesperson Michael Stewart issued the following statement:

“The health and safety of everyone at our facilities and construction sites is our highest priority. Our direct employees as well as our subcontractors understand our commitment to safety and occupational industrial safety and health policies. Together with the subcontractor and relevant authorities, we are fully supporting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and to help prevent such accidents in the future. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Site Safety History

This latest fatality is the third reported death at the site in approximately two months, raising

significant concerns around safety management.

Previous Incidents Include:

• Late March:

  • A worker was struck by a telehandler and dragged several metres

  • The investigation revealed the worker was severed at the waist

• April 2023:

  • Victor Gamboa fell approximately 20 metres to his death

  • He was wearing fall protection, but his lanyard sheared on a steel beam

  • OSHA cited employer Eastern Constructors for providing worn and inadequate safety gear

Additionally:

• Emergency services have reportedly been called to the site 44 times since 2023

Investigation Status

Investigations are being conducted by:

• Relevant local authorities

• Occupational safety regulators

The investigation is expected to examine:

• Load security and handling method

• Equipment selection and suitability

• Worker positioning during loading

• Site traffic and exclusion controls

• Supervision and subcontractor coordination

Crane Hub Global will update this article as verified findings are released.

Why Load-Handling Fatalities Occur

Load drops involving telehandlers or forklifts frequently occur when:

• Loads are not properly secured or balanced

• Fork attachments are not appropriate for the load type

• Workers stand within the fall zone

• Communication between operator and ground personnel is inadequate

• Site pressure leads to shortcuts during loading operations

Once a load is unstable, ground personnel have no reaction time.

Industry Reminder

Material-handling operations are often treated as routine, yet they remain one of the highest fatal-risk activities on large construction sites.

This incident reinforces the need for strict exclusion control, disciplined load handling, and uncompromising supervision, particularly on fast-paced mega-projects.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane and material-handling incidents to support industry learning and prevention. Where equipment involvement has not been independently confirmed, this is clearly stated. This article will be updated as official findings are released.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Exclusion Zones Around Forked Loads

No personnel should stand alongside or beneath suspended or elevated loads.

Load Stability and Attachment Verification

Forked loads must be stable, centred, and appropriate for the attachment used.

Clear Operator-to-Ground Communication

Dedicated signalers and clear communication protocols reduce positioning risk.

Equipment Selection Discipline

Telehandlers and forklifts must only be used for tasks they are specifically configured and rated for.

Subcontractor Safety Oversight

Principal contractors must actively monitor subcontractor operations and enforce site-wide standards.