A six-year-old boy has died in Italy after being crushed by a forklift truck operated by his father. The accident occurred at approximately 6.30pm on Friday at Meccanica De March, an engineering firm in Sedico.
The victim, Lucas De March, was struck as his father, Gabriele De March, desperately tried to raise the alarm. Despite emergency services arriving within minutes, they were unable to save the youngster.
Investigators are probing whether the child lost his balance and fell into the path of the moving machinery. The forklift has been confiscated for safety inspections. Gabriele De March may face manslaughter charges, according to reports.
Lucas, who had a three-year-old brother and was due to start primary school in September, attended the Doushin Dojo ASD judo school. The school paid tribute, saying: 'Lucas was a bright, cheerful child, a well-mannered and respectful judoka. We will miss him very much.'
The local municipality has cancelled the 'Sedico in Festa' event in mourning. Mayor Christian Roldo said: 'Our priority now is to stand with the families involved, to whom we express the deepest condolences.' Psychological support will be made available to Lucas's friends.
