Alleged Blind Spot Behind Forklift That Ran Over Man in Marunda

A man was struck down by a forklift at a container unloading facility in Marunda, Cilincing, North Jakarta. There is suspicion that a “blind spot” was behind the accident.

The incident was confirmed by Cilincing Police Chief Kompol Bobi Subarsi. The accident occurred on Thursday (26 February) in the afternoon.

“(The incident) happened yesterday afternoon at 4.00 p.m. WIB,” said Bobi when confirmed on Friday (27 February).

Bobi explained that the man who was struck was not an employee of the container company. He stated that when the man was struck, operations at the location were ongoing.

“Certainly the victim was not an employee of that depot. So it is an area where the forklift operates,” Bobi explained.

Alleged Blind Spot

Before the man was struck, the forklift’s position was obstructed by a passing container truck. After the container truck passed, the forklift moved forward and the victim’s position was in the blind spot area of the forklift operator.

“It is likely that the forklift operator did not know the victim’s position there. So in the blind spot position, they collided,” Bobi explained.

Police Investigation

Bobi stated that his team was still seeking to identify the victim. Meanwhile, the employee operating the forklift has been secured at Cilincing Police Station.

“We are still investigating (the victim’s identity and presence in the container area). So far we have checked but no one knows them. (The forklift operator) has not (been named a suspect), still being secured at the police station,” Bobi said.

“We will interview witnesses first, we are still looking at what was at the crime scene. Whether there was any intent or purely negligence from the operator. Of course, even if negligent there are criminal sanctions as it resulted in someone’s death,” he added.

Time of Incident

Bobi explained the incident occurred on Thursday (26 February) at 4.00 p.m. WIB. He stated that the man who was struck was not an employee of the container company. The man was struck whilst operations at the area were ongoing.

“Certainly the victim was not an employee of that depot. So it is an area where the forklift operates,” Bobi explained.