'Not A Freak Event': Worker Crushed To Death At SFO Was Failed By Employers, Lawsuit Says

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The family of a 28-year-old cargo runner at San Francisco International Airport who died on the job earlier this year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against his employers and the city of San Francisco.

John Brandon Lacayanga was riding a "bobtail" cargo truck at SFO in January when he hit a bump on the pavement and fell off, according to the lawsuit.

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The 28-year-old was found minutes later, crushed under a cargo pallet. He died within minutes, according to the lawsuit.

Lacayanga's cause of death was listed as "traumatic asphyxia," according to the San Mateo County Coroner's Office and the lawsuit.

But Lacayanga's parents argue that his death was "not a freak event," and instead the "foreseeable consequence of overlapping failures."

The lawsuit argues that the county failed to maintain the airport's roadway, leading to Lacayanga falling off the truck when he hit a bump.

A spokesperson with the San Francisco City Attorney told the San Francisco Chronicle that "any loss of life is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with Mr. Lacayanga's loved ones."

The department did not respond to the allegations, saying they would respond in court after being served and reviewing the lawsuit, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The lawsuit also claims that Dubai National Air Travel Agency, Lacayanga's employer, assigned him inadequate and unsafe equipment, despite the 28-year-old showing concern over the machinery.

The lawsuit notes Cal/OSHA previously cited Dubai National Air Travel Agency for failing to ensure employees wore seatbelts while operating a tug, along with a previous accident seven years earlier, where another employee was ejected from a tow tractor after striking a curb.

Dubai National Air Travel Agency told the Chronicle that it was "deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague" and that the company was "committed to maintaining the highest standards across our operations."

The company was unable to comment on court proceedings, according to the Chronicle.

Textron Ground Support Equipment, the company that made the tow truck, is also listed in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.