Freezing evacuation: Amazon worker dies in Ontario

An Amazon worker collapsed and died as a major distribution center in London, Ontario was evacuated amid bitter cold.

The provincial Ministry of Labor told local media on Friday that it is investigating the death of an employee who collapsed at his work station on the night of January 14-15.

According to the company, the fire alarm went off around 11:10 pm, forcing staff at the premises to go outside to face freezing temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius, which was close to -20 degrees taking into account the wind factor. .

The company assured that employees were given warm clothing as they left and were able to re-enter the building 17 minutes later, at 11:27 a.m. They were able to rest for three-quarters of an hour before returning to their posts.

The worker, identified as Paulo DeSouza Bezerra, a 50-year-old man from Brazil, died of a heart attack an hour after returning to work.

differences

Evidence collected by London Free Press However, from a dismissed employee, the company's version differs.

According to the worker, who was not identified by the newspaper, employees spent more than 17 minutes outside, did not have access to heating in their cars, and did not have blankets to distribute to keep everyone warm. . The company has denied these allegations.

Fundraising campaign for the meeting Posted on the GoFundMe site To raise funds for the funeral of Paulo D'Souza Becerra, as well as to support his partner over the next few months. As of Friday evening, nearly $18,000 had been raised.