SFO Worker Killed in Cargo Towing Accident on Airport Service Road

A 28-year-old airport worker has died in what authorities described as a tragic workplace accident involving cargo equipment at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), prompting an investigation by federal safety regulators.

The victim, John Brandon Lacayanga, was employed by DNATA (Dubai National Air Travel Agency), a global provider of ground handling, cargo, and catering services. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, January 18, on a vehicle service road between Terminal 3 and the International Terminal’s Boarding Area G.

According to an SFO spokesperson, Lacayanga was believed to be towing a cargo pallet at the time of the accident. At approximately 7 p.m., San Francisco Fire Department crews responded to reports of an industrial accident and discovered Lacayanga deceased beneath the cargo pallet. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Shortly after the incident, representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) arrived at the airport to begin an investigation. OSHA confirmed that it is examining the circumstances surrounding the accident, including equipment use, work procedures, and safety protocols, but said no additional details are currently available.

DNATA confirmed Lacayanga’s employment and said it is cooperating fully with authorities. In a statement provided to local media, the company expressed condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and coworkers,” the company said, adding that it is providing support to the family and working closely with investigators.

DNATA, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, operates at hundreds of airports worldwide and provides aircraft ground handling, cargo services, and inflight catering to major airlines. The company’s operations at large international hubs such as SFO involve extensive use of ground service equipment, including cargo dollies, pallet tugs, and towing vehicles.

Airport ground handling is widely recognised as one of the higher-risk environments in aviation, with workers exposed to moving vehicles, heavy loads, tight operating spaces, and time-critical operations. Industry safety experts have long stressed the importance of rigorous training, clear procedures, and equipment safeguards to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

In the wake of the accident, a GoFundMe page was created to assist Lacayanga’s parents, Hospicio and Jane Lacayanga, with unexpected funeral expenses. The fundraiser described his death as a sudden and devastating loss and invited the public to contribute toward honoring his life and legacy.

San Francisco International Airport said it is cooperating with OSHA and other authorities as the investigation continues. Findings from the federal probe could take weeks or months and may result in safety recommendations or enforcement actions if violations are identified.

The incident has cast a renewed spotlight on ramp and cargo safety at major airports, underscoring the human risks behind around-the-clock aviation operations.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com